Across the country, 1.9 million nonprofits drive local economic growth, enhance cultural vibrancy, and deliver essential services. Polls show Americans trust nonprofits more than government, corporations, and the media. Yet nonprofits and philanthropies often struggle to convey their value to policymakers, funders, the media, and the public.
How can the nation’s nonprofits and philanthropies better assess and communicate about their contributions to our communities and our country? Submit your paper proposal for consideration for the 14th annual Symposium on Public Policy for Nonprofits, titled “Breaking Through the Noise: Assessing and Communicating the Impact of Nonprofits and Philanthropy,” by Friday, May 2, 2025.
Sponsored by the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), Independent Sector, and Nonprofit Policy Forum, the symposium will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore key public policy issues affecting nonprofits and philanthropy. It also will consider whether additional research is needed to create better policies to sustain vital institutions, meet social needs, and support civil society in the years to come.
The current administration’s push to reduce government spending — including contracts with nonprofit service providers — highlights the need for nonprofits to strengthen their storytelling, use data more effectively, and communicate their valuable contributions strategically.
This year’s symposium will explore how nonprofits and philanthropy can increase public, media, and government investment in their success — just as they are invested in working together to meet the needs of communities nationwide.
For more information regarding proposal guidelines and the review process, please visit our symposium webpage as well as the Independent Sector’s website. Proposals should be submitted through this form. For questions or further information about the symposium, please contact Emily Rogers at [email protected] or Mirae Kim at [email protected].