What Does Independent Sector Do?

Total employees645
HeadquartersWashington
Founded1980

Independent Sector is a prominent national membership organization in the United States that brings together a diverse coalition of nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs. Their core mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the charitable community. They achieve this through advocacy for supportive public policies, research and data dissemination on the nonprofit sector, and by fostering collaboration and learning among their members and the wider civil society. Independent Sector plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape for philanthropic and charitable work across the U.S.

Where Is Independent Sector's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The Washington, D.C. headquarters serves as the central hub for Independent Sector's leadership, policy advocacy, research initiatives, member engagement programs, and overall administrative and operational functions.

Notable Features:

The headquarters is situated in a modern office building, providing contemporary workspace designed for collaboration, strategic meetings, and hosting sector leaders. Its location offers excellent accessibility to government agencies, partner organizations, and transportation.

Work Culture:

The work culture at Independent Sector is mission-driven, characterized by a commitment to collaboration, intellectual rigor, and inclusivity. Employees are passionate about strengthening civil society and often engage in dynamic discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing the nonprofit sector's impact.

HQ Significance:

Its location in the nation's capital is highly significant, enabling direct and effective engagement with policymakers, federal agencies, and other national organizations. This proximity is crucial for their advocacy work aimed at creating a favorable environment for nonprofits and philanthropy.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters' strategic location and functional design reflect Independent Sector's core values of leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and service to the nonprofit community. The space supports their role as a convener and a voice for the sector.

Location:

While Independent Sector's primary focus is on the United States nonprofit and philanthropic sector, its work has broader implications and connections. The organization engages with global civil society discussions, shares best practices, and collaborates with international counterparts on issues of mutual interest. Its research and policy insights are often relevant to NGOs and philanthropic entities worldwide, contributing to a global understanding of civil society dynamics.

Street Address:

1602 L St NW, Suite 900

City:

Washington

State/Province:

D.C.

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Independent Sector Operate Around the World?

No additional office locations available.

Buying Intent Signals for Independent Sector

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Independent Sector? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Independent Sector' leadership includes:

Dr. Akilah Watkins - President and CEO
Ben Kershaw - Vice President, Public Policy and Government Relations
Kristina Gawrgy - Vice President, Membership and Development
Chantil Omer - Vice President, Operations and Finance
Jeff Moore - Chief Strategy Officer

Who's Investing in Independent Sector?

Independent Sector has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Ford Foundation
The Kresge Foundation
MacArthur Foundation
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Numerous other foundations, corporate partners, and member organizations

What Leadership Changes Has Independent Sector Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits0

No major executive new hires or exits have been publicly announced by Independent Sector in the last 12 months (approximately mid-2023 to mid-2024). The most significant recent leadership transition was the appointment of Dr. Akilah Watkins as President and CEO in January 2023. The current executive team has remained stable, focusing on strategic initiatives.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byIndependent Sector?

Discover the tools Independent Sector uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Independent Sector Email Formats and Examples

Independent Sector typically utilizes a common professional email format. The most frequently observed pattern is the employee's first initial followed by their full last name, then '@independentsector.org'.

[first_initial][lastname]@independentsector.org

Format

awatkins@independentsector.org

Example

80%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Independent Sector?

independentsector.orgOctober 24, 2023

Independent Sector Statement on Final Rule for Updating the Community Reinvestment Act Regulations

Independent Sector released a statement regarding the final rule issued by federal bank regulatory agencies to update the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations, highlighting its potential impact on nonprofit organizations and community development....more

independentsector.orgOctober 19, 2023

Independent Sector Joins Amicus Brief Supporting Nonprofit Donor Privacy

Independent Sector announced its participation in an amicus brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, advocating for the protection of nonprofit donor privacy against overly broad disclosure requirements....more

independentsector.orgMarch 7, 2023

Independent Sector Commends Introduction of the CHARITABLE Act

Independent Sector expressed support for the reintroduction of the Charitable Act (Charitable Accountability, Reform, and Integrity Towards a Better Legislative Environment Act), legislation aimed at strengthening the charitable sector and encouraging giving....more

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