This month’s election has reminded me of our nation’s resilience — how we’ve weathered both progress and struggle to form a history defined by our diverse perspectives and experiences.
Dr. Akilah Watkins
For much of our history, Black men and women were unjustly denied our basic rights. Early American workers labored without protections or benefits. Over time, we’ve seen advancements — from greater civil rights to better workplace protections — driven by changemakers who see a brighter future and take action to create it.
This election marked historic firsts, with voters in Delaware and Maryland electing two Black women to simultaneously serve in the U.S. Senate for the first time, and voters in Delaware electing the nation’s first transgender representative to Congress. Meanwhile, voters in Alaska and Missouri approved measures to raise the minimum wage and expand sick leave.
This month, voters also elected a second Trump administration and a Republican majority to both chambers of Congress. As we prepare for new leadership, our commitment to progress and impact in the charitable sector remains stronger than ever. We are ready to amplify the sector’s voice at the federal level.
Independent Sector’s federal tax policy agenda will be central next year as we approach the expiration of key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We aim to ensure that large-scale tax legislation helps to build healthier, trusted nonprofits and philanthropy.
Next year, we’ll continue advocating for:
- An expanded charitable deduction, providing every American with an incentive to give back to their community.
- Equal access to quarterly data on wages and employment for nonprofit employers, ensuring we’re as informed as our for-profit peers.
- Tax credit fairness, so nonprofit employers receive the same types of incentives as the for-profit sector — from starting a retirement plan to providing employee childcare.
- Permanent nonprofit representation in the Executive Office of the President where decisions are made, and our expertise is needed.
A healthy, trusted, and equitable charitable sector is essential to supporting and uplifting communities across our nation. And, as data shows, nonprofits are the entities that Americans trust most to cross partisan divides.
I’m reminded of how service and volunteerism in our sector not only inspire trust, but also offer a way to heal. Volunteerism is one of the safe havens in our society where Americans can come together, regardless of political affiliation, to find community, belonging, and a shared commitment to the common good. It reminds people of what unites us rather than what divides us.
I’m also reminded of how much our work as the charitable sector matters. How together, we move forward for the millions of people who depend on our programs and services. Our work matters for the family relying on their food pantry to eat each week. For the parent depending on their local YMCA for after-school care. For the leader mobilizing for freedom and justice in their community — and across the country.
In the coming years, Independent Sector will continue our work to defend nonprofits and philanthropy, educate policymakers, and advocate for legislation that aligns with the best interests of our sector and the communities we serve.
Where the administration proposes ideas to bolster the charitable sector’s health, and to engage us as partners, we will listen and work with them to advance progress. We’ve shared a memo with the incoming administration, making the case for partnership and outlining how nonprofits and government can work together to build a thriving nation.
For our members, we’ll continue hosting our Monthly Policy Update webinars to share the latest from Washington, DC, and what it means for the charitable community.
This is a critical moment for the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, and for the millions of Americans who rely on us. Our determination and shared purpose have carried us through times of uncertainty before, and they will continue to be our greatest strengths in the work ahead.
I look forward to continuing to partner with you — our members and sector changemakers — to build a healthy and equitable nation where all people thrive.
Dr. Akilah Watkins is president and CEO of Independent Sector.
