In the culminating event to mark the Urban Institute’s Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy’s 30th anniversary, leaders in research, philanthropy, policy, sector infrastructure, and more will come together for the launch of the center’s Democracy and Civil Society Initiative. The event will feature three panels: first, a historical lens exploring what has and has not worked to build and sustain democracy and civil society; second, a look at survey research and data analysis on democracy and civil society; and third, a space for leaders to reflect on the future of democracy and civil society. At a moment when protecting democracy and sustaining civil society has become ever more urgent, the importance of understanding the nature of those imperatives, and their relationship to nonprofit and philanthropic capabilities, has never been clearer. Join us at this launch event, as we collectively take up that work.

Opening Remarks

• Sarah Rosen Wartell, President, Urban Institute

Looking Back: What Has Worked—and What Hasn’t—in Recent Efforts to Support Democracy and Civil Society

• Daniel Stid, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
• Gara LaMarche, Leader in Residence, Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, City College of New York
• Cecilia Muñoz, Former Director, White House Domestic Policy Council
• Benjamin Soskis, Senior Research Associate, Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Urban Institute (moderator)

Pulse Taking: Current Research on Democracy and Civil Society

• Robert Griffin, Senior Director, Democracy Practice, Third Plateau
• Mirae Kim, Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
• Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer, Giving Tuesday
• Laura Tomasko, Senior Policy Program Manager and Practice Area Lead, Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Urban Institute (moderator)

Looking Ahead: Imagining a Good Future for Democracy and Civil Society

• Joe Goldman, President, Democracy Fund
• Ali Noorani, President and CEO, Barr Foundation
• Yordanos Eyoel, Founder and CEO, Keseb
• Rekha Balu, Vice President, Center for Equity and Community Impact, Urban Institute (moderator)

Closing Remarks

• Benjamin Soskis, Senior Research Associate, Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Urban Institute

Thirty years ago, CNP was founded to build knowledge about the nonprofit and philanthropic sector through rigorous research and accessible data. This year, we honor that legacy through a series of convenings, bringing leaders and researchers together to share evidence, advance insights, and strengthen collaboration across the field.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodation or have any questions about this event.