The Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy (CNP) conducts and disseminates research on the role and impact of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy.

Our Mission

To promote understanding of civil society and improve nonprofit sector performance through rigorous research, clear analysis and informed policy. Read more about the role of the center in this interview with the director Elizabeth T. Boris.

• Major publications and events
• Latest reports
• CNP projects

National Center for Charitable Statistics

The National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), a program of the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute, is the national clearinghouse of data on the nonprofit sector in the United States. A full range of data are available at the new NCCS Tools Menu.

For quick answers about the U.S. nonprofit sector, visit our Statistics and Profiles pages.

• The Nonprofit Almanac, 2008
• Facts and Figures from the Nonprofit Almanac 2008
• The Broader Movement: Nonprofit Environmental and Conservation Organizations, 1989-2005

File Forms 990 and State Registration Forms Electronically

Developed by NCCS, 990 Online© is a web-based application that allows nonprofit organizations and nonprofit accountants to electronically prepare and submit IRS Forms 990, 990-EZ and 8868 (Extension Request). Organizations can electronically file their tax returns for fiscal years ending 2005 to 2008. The service is free for small organizations. State Registration Forms are currently available for Pennsylvania, Michigan and Hawaii. New York and Mississippi are slated to join our offerings soon.
Read more.

Form 990-N (ePostcard)

Small tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $25,000 or less may be required to electronically submit Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard.  Organizations can file this form using our IRS-approved web product.
Click here to get started.

Events

• Life Spans of Charitable Foundations:  Arguments for and Against an Assumption of Perpetuity – March 26, 2009
• The Election and the Economy: What's Ahead for Civil Society? – November 4, 2008
• Rebuilding a Devastated Arts and Culture Community: How Can New Orleans Recover? – February 6, 2007

Publications

• Nonprofits and Business
• The Role of Faith-Based and Community Organizations in Post-Hurricane Human Services Relief Efforts (full report)
• The Role of Faith-based and Community Organizations in Providing Relief and Recovery Services after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (brief)
• The Nonprofit Almanac, 2008
• Nonprofits and Government: Collaboration and Conflict (2nd ed.)
• The Broader Movement: Nonprofit Environmental and Conservation Organizations, 1989-2005