News
May 5th, 2025
Defending Civil Society and Philanthropy’s Independence
Last month, United Philanthropy Forum, Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, and National Council of Nonprofits released a powerful joint statement in response to the administration’s recent announcement targeting Harvard University’s tax-exempt status. While seemingly aimed at a single institution, the implications of this action ripple across the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, posing a serious threat to civil society and the independence of charitable giving.
Civil society — and the charitable nonprofit sector that gives it form and voice — must remain independent of government influence. A robust civil society cannot survive when political leaders decide which institutions deserve protections based on ideology or political convenience.
Community Foundation of Tompkins County has joined hundreds of other charitable giving organizations by signing on to A Public Statement from Philanthropy, which underscores the sector’s unified commitment to protecting the freedom to give and invest in our communities.
Read the Unite in Advance Call to Action published in Nonprofit Quarterly