As I mark my two-year anniversary leading Independent Sector, I’m reflecting on the state of the charitable sector and the rapidly changing political landscape. This is a pivotal point for our sector and for civil society as a whole.
America is going through incredible political and social shifts. That’s not a judgment — it’s an observable fact. And while change is often uncomfortable, it also presents us with an opportunity to rethink and renegotiate our social contract.
What is the role of civil society in this moment? What role do nonprofits and philanthropy play in shaping it? These are urgent questions on our hearts and minds, and this is the time for us to coalesce around a collective vision for American civil society.
We know there’s an intimate connection between a healthy nonprofit sector, a vibrant civil society, and a just democracy. Nonprofits and philanthropy are indispensable partners to government, serving as critical links to ensuring all people in our nation thrive. This partnership must remain strong, especially as we navigate the changes ahead of us.
At Independent Sector, we’re ready to collaborate with policymakers from both sides of the aisle on issues like tax reform and philanthropic reform. We’ve shared recommendations with the incoming Trump administration to strengthen this partnership, including expanding the charitable deduction to increase giving, ensuring nonprofits have fair access to tax credits to support their workers, and establishing permanent nonprofit representation within the White House to amplify our communities’ voices. These changes aren’t just about policy — they’re about empowering nonprofits to serve American communities more effectively.
Legislation is an important step, but it’s not the only one. We need to rebuild our sector’s advocacy muscle so that our collective voice carries the weight it should. Nonprofit advocacy has declined significantly over the past two decades. That has to change. Advocacy is the key to ensuring nonprofits have a seat at the table in shaping the policies that affect us all.
As we think about the future of civil society, we must also remind ourselves — and others — of our shared American spirit of generosity and giving. This collective history is part of the fire we were born out of, and it’s what continues to drive our work today. Volunteerism is another cornerstone. Volunteering is not just an idea — it’s a verb. It brings Americans together, allowing us to build community through shared action.
Dr. Akilah Watkins
We can incentivize prosocial, pro-community behavior through thoughtful policy, such as tax legislation that encourages giving and service. While we work on these systemic issues, we can’t wait for all the conditions to be perfect. Building a bustling civil society starts now, in our own communities, even as we tackle the most intractable challenges at the national level.
So how can you and I take action today?
Independent Sector provides tools and resources to keep nonprofit and philanthropic changemakers informed and engaged. Our members have access to in-depth reports and exclusive webinars on topics like what the new administration and Congress mean for the charitable sector and the latest federal policies affecting the sector’s health. These resources empower you to navigate challenges and shape the sector’s future.
We also create opportunities for collective advocacy, from sign-on letters to amplifying your voice in Washington, DC at events like Foundations on the Hill. Our open-door policy means we’re here to listen. Your insights on state and federal issues help strengthen our collective impact.
Our National Summit, happening October 27–29 in Atlanta, is a cornerstone of this work — a space to share ideas, build practical strategies, and collaborate on the issues that matter most to our sector.
A part of me feels this deeply: We will need the voices of many in this work. A collective strategy is essential — individual organizations can’t tackle current challenges alone. Strong coalitions, open communication, and shared resources and knowledge are critical. This is a time to stretch our collaborative muscle, to use the tools we have at our disposal, and to organize effectively.
Where we’re at as a sector is a question of how we marshal our collective resources and coalesce around a shared vision for civil society. It’s about partnership, connection, and collaboration. Together, we can reimagine the role of civil society and chart a bold path forward.
Dr. Akilah Watkins is president and CEO of Independent Sector.
