That's a wrap on Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! Thank you to our members, attendees, partners, sponsors, and exhibitors for making this event possible. You showed what it looks like when the charitable sector unites with purpose. We're excited to announce that we'll be in Washington, D.C. for the 2027 National Summit from October 12-15! Learn more and it to your calendar: summit.independentsector.org…

It's Day 2 of Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! A huge thank you to our Arizona host committee members for welcoming us to Phoenix. We began the day with a timely conversation on the state of the charitable sector, explored ways we can protect sector independence, and celebrated key wins that our organizations made possible. We're excited to begin our learning sessions and strategy labs today. With the right knowledge, skills, and connections, our sector can accomplish so much! #ISNS2026

It’s Day 1 of Independent Sector’s National Summit 2026 and our team is getting ready! Nonprofits, philanthropies, and corporate giving programs are in Phoenix to build a stronger charitable sector that helps more people thrive. We can’t wait to see the ideas spark! Are you joining us at the summit? Let us know what you’re looking forward to, tag us in your photos, and join the LinkedIn group: linkedin.com/groups/14936042…

Thank you to @ZRGPartners for sponsoring Independent Sector’s National Summit 2026! ZRG Partners is a global executive search and talent advisory firm that helps organizations recruit and develop senior leaders, including within the nonprofit and social impact sectors. Join us in Phoenix, October 13–16, to connect with leaders from across the charitable sector, explore innovative ideas, and help us build a better future. Register today! 👉 summit.independentsector.org…

Strong governance strengthens the charitable sector. Independent Sector's Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice are expanding with three new Principles Panels focused on advocacy, independence, and artificial intelligence. Developed with leaders and organizations across the charitable sector, these guiding questions can help boards and organizational leaders consider goals, responsibilities, opportunities, risks, and approach. Learn about the Principles and see our new Advocacy Guide: independentsector.org/resear…

There's still time to get your ticket for Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! Join nonprofits and philanthropies from across the country as we: 🔹 Learn new skills in expert-led sessions and strategy labs. 🔹 Get inspired by charitable sector leaders. 🔹 Form lasting connections with peers. 🔹 Advance, equity, resilience, and lasting change. Registration closes soon. Get your ticket today! 👉 summit.independentsector.org…

Congratulations to @JohnFabianWitt, our 2026 recipient of the Terry McAdam Book Award for The Radical Fund. The book offers a compelling look at philanthropy, social change, and the visionaries who helped shape American history. Learn more about the Terry McAdam Book Award: independentsector.org/commun…

We are proud to announce that @JMurguia_Unidos, president and CEO of @WeAreUnidosUS has won the 2026 John W. Gardner Leadership Award! Under Janet's leadership, UnidosUS has continued to elevate Latino voices, strengthen community organizations, and advocate for policies that help families thrive. This recognition is especially meaningful as we gather for Independent Sector's National Summit 2026 in Phoenix — where UnidosUS began in 1968 as the Southwest Council of La Raza. Learn more about the award: independentsector.org/commun… Join us at the summit! summit.independentsector.org…

In less than two weeks, nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate giving professionals are coming together for the charitable sector's premier event! Join us at Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! 📅 October 13-16, 2026 📍 Phoenix, Arizona Learn new skills, form partnerships, and strengthen your organization for the challenges ahead: summit.independentsector.org…

Nonprofits and philanthropy are stronger together. Building up that strength requires transparency and open dialog between organizations, Independent Sector President and CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins emphasizes. 👉 Read her latest CEO Views article: independentsector.org/blog/d…

How nonprofits understand, engage, and support volunteers matters. Join us for a live exchange of ideas on the volunteer workforce today. Charitable sector leaders will share their perspectives and we invite you to offer yours! 📅 October 6, 2026 🕐 1:00 pm ET Be part of the conversation: independentsector-org.zoom.u…

Congress is back, and there’s a lot on the table for the charitable sector. Here’s what we’re watching: 🔹 The December 11 government funding deadline and what comes next. 🔹 Proposed IRS rules that could affect tax-exempt status for private schools. 🔹 New bipartisan efforts to strengthen due process protections for nonprofits. 🔹 What the 2026 midterms mean for nonpartisan voter engagement. 🔹 The proposed overhaul of Form 990 and what's at stake for nonprofits. Read the latest DC Download: independentsector.org/blog/d…

What does it really mean to include volunteers in the nonprofit workforce? Volunteers are central to nonprofit work, but their role in the workforce is not always clear. How should organizations think about volunteer labor, stipended volunteers, and the relationship between volunteers and paid staff? Join Independent Sector for a live exchange of ideas as we unpack findings from the 2026 Nonprofit Sector Workforce Survey and explore what they mean for how nonprofits engage and support volunteers. 📅 October 6, 2026 🕐 1:00 pm ET Register: independentsector-org.zoom.u…

We are less than one month away! 🎉 Nonprofit and philanthropic leaders from across the country are coming together at Independent Sector’s National Summit 2026 for meaningful connections, new skills, and conversations about what’s next for the charitable sector. Join us for expert-led workshops, high-impact strategy labs, and valuable networking opportunities. 📅 October 13–16, 2026 📍 Phoenix, Arizona Register today: summit.independentsector.org…

The Do Good Institute, an Independent Sector member, has officially started recruitment for their Summer 2027 Impact Interns program! Does your organization have a project or internship opportunity that may be a good fit for a University of Maryland graduate or undergraduate student next summer? 💡Learn more about hosting an Impact Intern: dogood.umd.edu/research-impa…

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, @HHFoundation President and CEO Antonio Tijerino and @votolatino Co-Founder and President María Teresa Kumar will explore the growing role of Hispanic Americans in shaping our democracy. And that’s just one of the important conversations happening at Independent Sector’s National Summit 2026. Join us in Phoenix for expert-led workshops, high-impact strategy labs, meaningful connections, and more! 📅 October 13-16, 2026 📍 Phoenix, Arizona Register today: summit.independentsector.org…

Happy National Voter Registration Day! Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, organizations across the country are helping people register to vote and encouraging them to participate in American democracy. Last year, over 3,200 local organizations came together to register 300,000 voters. Want to get involved this year? Visit nationalvoterregistrationday…

At Independent Sector's National Summit 2026, we're hosting a special one-day event for policy, advocacy, and government relations professionals! Join your peers at the Policy Professionals Advocacy Intensive (PPAI) for strategies to build bipartisan relationship, strengthen sector resiliency, boost advocacy efforts, and more. 👉 Register for the summit and save your spot at PPAI! summit.independentsector.org…

What do the new proposed regulations on racial nondiscrimination in private schools mean for the charitable sector? Join Independent Sector, @COF_, @NatlCouncilNPs, @unitedphilforum, and external counsel tomorrow for a timely policy update on what’s proposed, who may be affected, and what could happen next. 📅 September 9 🕑 2:00–3:00 pm ET Register to join the conversation: cof.org/event/policy-update-…

Today, Independent Sector released a statement in response to proposed regulatory changes that would restrict the ability of tax-exempt private educational institutions to serve and support minority students: “The U.S. charitable sector is built upon fundamental freedoms enshrined within our Constitution: free speech, free assembly, freedom of worship, and free association. The proposed rule change advanced by the current administration, which would strip private educational institutions of their tax-exempt status for administering or supporting any policy or program intended to remediate over two centuries of racial discrimination in the American educational system, cuts at the heart of these fundamental freedoms," said Independent Sector President and CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins. "This rule change would fundamentally limit the ability of organizations to support their communities and advance moral causes in accordance with their values and lawful missions. If adopted, this rule would create a dangerous precedent that could open the door for any future administration to label any politically disfavored mission as against 'fundamental public policy' to justify stripping those organizations of their tax-exempt status. Charities shouldn’t have to work with one hand tied behind their back, and Independent Sector urges the administration to listen to our sector’s concerns before proceeding with this damaging rule.”