Independent Sector’s members represent the variety of ways that working toward the common good happens in our country, and they reflect an array of unique visions for making a better tomorrow.
Each month, we also get to ring in a number of member-versaries. February was a milestone anniversary month for four of our members. We’re pleased to say sayonara to another month by sharing a little about these organizations, each of which are a vital part of the IS member community.
10 years
The Arc of the United States
In its 60-year history, the Arc of the United States (the Arc, for short) has advocated for policies at the state and federal levels on behalf of people with disabilities. In that time, they have also established a broad network of chapters throughout the U.S. that ranges from small voluntary groups to large, professional organizations. The Arc’s national headquarters is based in Washington, DC. The Arc got its start in 1950, when a small group of people—some of whom were parents, others were concerned citizens—came together seeking an alternative approach to caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities. At the time, there was little in the way of programs and resources available to care for individuals with disabilities in communities, and the default form of care was institutionalization. The Arc has a presence in 39 U.S. states today and has been led by Peter V. Berns since July 2008.
Learn more | Twitter: @TheArcUS | Facebook: The Arc of the United States | Follow Peter Berns: @TheArcExec
5 years
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
The Los Angeles-based Parsons Foundation was created in 1961 by engineering and construction firm executive Ralph M. Parsons. The foundation became fully independent of the company in 1976, and it has since focused the majority of its grantmaking on providing general operating support to highly effective civic and cultural, education, health, and human services organizations providing direct services throughout Los Angeles County. The Parsons Foundation is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Wendy Garen.
Wounded Warrior Project
The Jacksonville-based Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was founded in Roanoke, Virginia in 2003 by a group of veterans who wanted to help injured service members. Today, WWP has grown and serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. They have support programs designed for both veterans and families and have 15 regional field offices to serve veterans in every state across the country, as well as one field office in Germany. Michael Linnington has served as WWP’s CEO since July 2016.
Learn more | Twitter: @wwp | Facebook: Wounded Warrior Project
Center for Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, and Policy
Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
The Center for Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, and Policy is housed in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, located in Fairfax, Virginia. Owing partly to the prevalence of nonprofits in the National Capital region, the Center’s work complements the university’s nonprofit management concentration within its Masters program for Public Administration. The Center is directed by Alan Abramson. Abramson is incidentally on study leave and serving a one-year in-house role with us as a visiting scholar. Abramson is one of the nation’s leading experts on the nonprofit sector and has served as president of Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) prior to his academic role.
Learn more | Twitter: @ScharSchool | Facebook: Schar School of Policy and Government
To learn more about IS membership, check out our Membership page.
