Preserving Civil Society
A Cornerstone of Our Work
Civil society is the space in our nation that stands separate from the government and private sectors. Civil society is where communities come to life: people join together to solve problems, express shared values, and strengthen democracy. It’s made up of nonprofits, volunteer organizations, faith groups, community associations, and other institutions that exist outside of government and business. At its best, civil society is a powerful force for innovation, participation, and connection.
Independent Sector was founded on the belief that a strong civil society is essential to a thriving democracy. In free societies like ours, the “independent sector”—what some call the nonprofit or charitable sector—offers space for individual ideas and diverse voices. From community organizations to national movements, it’s where countless Americans find purpose, take action, and contribute to the common good.
We work to preserve this space:
- By encouraging research and public understanding of the independent sector
- By fostering dialogue among diverse civil society organizations and between those organizations, government and the commercial sector
- By supporting high standards of transparency, accessibility, and accountability for nonprofit organizations
- And by advocating for thoughtful partnerships between government and nonprofits—partnerships that preserve the sector’s independence
This page is a hub for analysis, resources, and ideas for those working to strengthen civil society. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, advocate, researcher, or concerned citizen, we invite you to explore and engage.
Read a blog by Independent Sector Visiting Scholar Ben Soskis
