Independent Sector is a coalition of nonprofits, foundations and corporate giving programs. Founded in 1980, it is the first organization to combine the grant seekers and grantees.

Located in Washington, D.C., Independent Sector largely works on federal policy issues that affect the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, including tax incentives and exemption status of organizations within the sector.

Several other organizational goals include cultivating leaders and emerging leaders, supporting and enhancing organizational effectiveness and ethical practices, and being the vital voice of the sector.

History

Independent Sector was created when two other organization merged in 1980. The organizations were the National Council of Philanthropy and the Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations. The charter meeting was held in Washington, D.C. on March 5, 1980. Brian O'Connell was the first president and John W. Gardner

John W. Gardner

John William Gardner, was Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon Johnson. During World War II he served in the United States Marine Corps as a captain. In 1955 he became president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and, concurrently, the Carnegie Foundation for...

 was the first Governing Board Chair.

Leadership

Diana Aviv is the current President and CEO of Independent Sector.
Since its founding in 1980, Independent Sector has had the following board chairs:

Name	Term
John W. Gardner John W. Gardner John William Gardner, was Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon Johnson. During World War II he served in the United States Marine Corps as a captain. In 1955 he became president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and, concurrently, the Carnegie Foundation for... , co-founder of Independent Sector	1980–1983
Richard W. Lyman	1984–1986
John H. Filer	1987–1989
Eugene C. Dorsey	1990–1992
Raul Yzaguirre	1993–1995
Barbara Finberg	1996–1998
Peter B. Goldberg	1999–2001
John R. Seffrin	2002–2004
William Trueheart	2005–2007
Brian Gallagher	2008–2010
Stephen B. Heintz	2011–2013