Our Mission and Vision
We envision a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable, helping all people in the United States thrive in a vibrant civil society and just democracy. We unite nonprofits and philanthropy to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing the sector around policy and practice solutions.
Our organizational strategies are results-centered and racial equity-focused. We believe all charitable nonprofits and foundations in this country should be healthy and equitable to ensure that all people in the United States thrive, with targeted focus on Native, Black, Latinx, Asian, and other communities of color.
Our Beliefs
Collective Solutions – We find better solutions to complex problems when diverse groups, committed to the common good, come together in networks of responsibility.
Opportunity, Respect, and Inclusiveness – Societies thrive when all people have equal opportunity to succeed, are treated with respect, and can fully participate in the life of the community.
The Power of the Charitable Community – By taking bold risks, encouraging creativity, fostering collaboration, and inspiring optimism, the sector is a vital, leading force in improving lives, the natural world, and strengthening democratic societies.
Responsible, Transparent Institutions – Democratic societies rely on transparent, ethical, and accountable institutions and people.
Strategy and Priorities
Sector Health
We create and share knowledge and research to understand and accelerate the impact of the nonprofit sector. By assessing the health of the nonprofit and philanthropic sector as a whole, we can map out a clearer path toward driving more health and equity in our communities.
Sector Health Priorities in 2023
- Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector 2.0
- Trust in Civil Society
- Continued community engagement around new and current impact knowledge and research
Building Community
We build community among changemakers who work and volunteer in the social sector in order to focus on wellness, foster trust, bridge divides toward belonging, and create this healthy and racially just society to ensure all people thrive.
Building Community Priorities in 2023
- Advance innovation and activation through constant evaluation of our sense of community
- Offer a comprehensive Fellows Program, including launching new Alumni Network, and new Bridging Fellows
- Upswell events focused on racial justice, self/community care, and bridging and belonging
Public Policy
We advocate for public policies that strengthen nonprofits, foundations, and diverse communities nationwide – and help social sector organizations fulfill missions. We serve as a unified voice and information source on pressing legislative and economic issues in our sector.
Public Policy Priorities in 2023
- “A Seat at the Table” campaign for permanent partnership between nonprofits and the Executive Branch
- Continued advocacy to strengthen core tax policy priorities and infrastructure investments toward healthy and equitable communities
- Launch of a new Advocacy Survey that will fill a 20-year gap in data around nonprofit advocacy and civic engagement (i.e., voter engagement) activities
