National volunteer strategy puts nonprofit infrastructure first
Points of Light wants to double U.S. volunteering by 2035, but its roadmap says nonprofits need stronger systems, staff and technology to sustain service.
Civic Engagement
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Open Society Foundations pledges $300 million for U.S. democracy work amid nonprofit attacks
Open Society Foundations says it will commit $300 million to U.S. democracy-related work as nonprofit groups face increased political pressure and scrutiny.
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AmeriCorps awards more than $387 million to 260 nonprofit, faith and community organizations
AmeriCorps says its new State and National grants are expected to support more than 35,000 volunteers serving communities across the United States.
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Thornton opens applications for city advisory boards, including a Ward 2 vacancy
Thornton residents have until 5 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, to apply for a Ward 2 Thornton Active Adult Board seat. Other city board and commission openings remain available through August 30.
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Pittsburgh Civic Leadership Academy returns; applications due Aug. 21
Pittsburgh’s free, limited-capacity Civic Leadership Academy will run Wednesday evenings from September through December, with applications due by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 21.
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Boston Civic Summit convenes residents and leaders around participation and belonging
Boston’s 2026 Civic Summit brought together residents, civic leaders and nonprofit advocates on Aug. 1 for a one-day program centered on civic engagement, democracy and belonging.
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Pittsburgh reopens Civic Leadership Academy applications through Aug. 21
Pittsburgh’s free 10-week Civic Leadership Academy is returning in 2026, with applications due by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 21.
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Albany opens applications for Cap City Collective, with Aug. 14 deadline
Albany residents ages 20 to 35 can apply through Aug. 14, 2026, to join the new Cap City Collective, a one-year civic-engagement initiative announced by Mayor Dorcey L. Applyrs and Assemblymember Gabriella Romero.
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CapMetro proposes fare increases for Jan. 10, 2027 and Jan. 2029—Sept. 28 vote
Austin riders can weigh in on CapMetro’s proposed fare increases—first on Jan. 10, 2027, then Jan. 2029—before a Sept. 28 Board vote.
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Stockton opens its new City Hall on July 7: where to go for services
Stockton CA – New City Hall at 501 W. Weber Ave (Building 1) is now the spot for July 7 City Council and counters, with posted hours.
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Columbus launches “Our Voice, Our Choice” participatory budget: $9M for districts
Columbus OH – City Council’s “Our Voice, Our Choice” pilot gives residents a direct say in $9 million in capital funding. Submit by Aug. 28, 2026.
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Conover election rules changed: no 2027 vote; mayor/council return in 2028
North Carolina ratified Session Law 2026-18 on June 24, 2026, pausing Conover’s mayor/council elections in 2027 and resuming the regular cycle in 2028.
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Boston opens $2 million participatory budgeting window through July 31
Boston MA – Residents can submit project ideas through July 31 for a $2 million participatory budgeting pool before public voting in early 2027.