Independent Sector is the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of changemakers, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations working to strengthen civil society and ensure all people in the United States thrive. Independent Sector formed in 1980 when Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations and the National Council on Philanthropy merged into one umbrella organization to help promote sensible national policies and communicate the value of a strong and unified charitable community. From its headquarters in Washington, DC, Independent Sector advocates for public policies that affect the charitable sector, builds knowledge on behalf of the sector, and connects the hard-working organizations and leaders within the sector.