(WASHINGTON, June 25, 2010)—Independent Sector strongly believes that diversity and inclusion are crucial to the nonprofit and philanthropic community’s strength and effectiveness. We applaud the organizations that have dedicated themselves to these principles and encourage them to share their successful approaches with others. IS is intensifying our efforts to advance solutions that achieve a more diverse sector and that allocate a greater share of public and private resources to the critical needs of low-income communities and communities of color throughout the nation. We also urge foundations and nonprofits to make a commitment to improving the diversity of our work force and leadership and to expanding opportunities for all. It is time to integrate diversity and inclusion into every aspect of our work so that we look like the America of today and of tomorrow.

###

Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 550 charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation. Its mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit and philanthropic community.