Independent Sector identifies the most pressing ecosystem challenges and opportunities to build a healthy, trusted, and equitable charitable sector. We align and mobilize charitable sector organizations – nonprofits, philanthropy, and corporate giving programs – to solve those problems through policy, practice, and structural change.

We work to identify and inform sector issues through research, analysis, cross-sector dialogue, and communication. Our research serves as the foundation for driving structural change through the federal policymaking process as well as developing standards of practice, tools, and trainings to empower organizations and their leaders.

Formed in 2025, Independent Sector’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC) informs IS’s research agenda and provides strategic guidance to staff and leadership. Specifically, the Research Advisory Committee:

• Identifies research needs in the nonprofit sector and considers how Independent Sector can play a role in addressing those needs.
• Informs Independent Sector research projects and plans, suggesting appropriate approaches, methodologies, and collaborations.
• Shares timely information about academic research relevant to Independent Sector projects and priorities.
• Connects Independent Sector staff and leadership to researchers and experts outside the committee.

The committee’s members have expertise across a variety of methodologies and nonprofit sector topics and are drawn from academic institutions and nonprofit organizations that conduct research. The committee’s current members are:

• Cathleen Clerkin, Candid
• Mac-Jane Crayton, Appalachian State University
• Mark Hager, Arizona State University
• Teresa Harrison, Drexel University
• Samir Khan, GivingTuesday
• Jesse Lecy, Arizona State University
• Young-joo Lee, Indiana University
• Robbie Robichau, Texas A&M
• Amanda J. Stewart, North Carolina State University
• David Suárez, University of Washington
• Kenny Taylor, Texas A&M

For more information about the RAC or Independent Sector’s research projects, please contact research@independentsector.org.