INDEPENDENT SECTOR

Sector health:independent sector's work analyzes and shares insights on four core aspects of the charitable sector's health: (1) finances; (2) workforce; (3) public trust and good governance; (4) policy advocacy. Research from various authoritative sources is compiled in the health of the us nonprofit sector annual report, which was released in december 2024. Data findings and analysis in the report are then used to inform policy and practice interventions needed to build a healthier charitable sector. Is also commissions and conducts original research. In 2024, we conducted our fifth annual survey on public trust in nonprofits and philanthropy, conducted in partnership with edelman data and intelligence. In 2024, we found that the nonprofit sector is the most trusted sector of american society, in part due to concerning losses of public trust in small businesses and local communities. In 2024 we concluded another significant body of research, also commissioned by independent sector and mentioned above, examining advocacy activities by nonprofits. The quantitative study, released in 2023, indicated concerning downward trends in policy advocacy by nonprofit organizations. In 2024, we released a complementary qualitative study that provided more insight into how and why nonprofit organizations do or do not advocate. All of independent sector's research, true to is practice, is intended to inform tools, trainings, and other interventions to strengthen the health of the nonprofit sector.

Capacity building:capacity building activities in 2024 strengthened leadership development and advanced community transformation across the nonprofit and philanthropic landscape. Through intentional convenings we cultivated transformative learning spaces and cross-sector collaboration to support leaders and organizations working at the intersection of equity, justice, and impact.

Membership:membership at independent sector provides full access to opportunities to meet, collaborate with, and learn from fellow changemakers and thought leaders at independent sector events and convenings; virtually and in-person. Members hear directly from policy and other charitable sector experts on issues impacting the sector and increase individual and organizational knowledge and skills through webinars and workshops.