Library

Looking for new and notable information to help you dig deeper into an issue? Start with these featured reports and web sites, and then browse through our full selection by topic.

Reports: Featured

Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector
Independent Sector, December 2024, 23 pp.
The report provides data, analysis, and recommendations about nonprofit health, including factors such as finances, human capital, governance, trust, public policy, and advocacy. more info >

Nonprofit Trends and Impacts 2021–2023
Urban Institute, October 2024, 20 pp.
Focuses on geographic and demographic trends related to nonprofit organizations and the populations they serve. more info >

Social Media and News Fact Sheet
Pew Research Center, September 2024
This study examines the use of social media sites as sources for news and current events. more info >

Social, Civic, and Institutional Trust: Necessary Conditions for a Pluralistic Democracy
Carsey School of Public Policy, July 2024
Explores trends in social, civic, and institutional trust, and the effects of the erosion of trust on individuals, communities, and public participation in political and civic matters. more info >

The Power of Parks to Strengthen Community: A Special Report
Trust for Public Land, May 2024, 18 pp.
This report focuses on the importance of parks as a neutral public gathering place where community members can meet, collaborate, and become empowered. It explores different approaches, programs, and partnerships which can foster connections in a community. more info >

More Than a Feeling: How Social Connection Protects Health in Later Life
Population Reference Bureau, February 2024, 4 pp.
This brief explores recent research on social connection and health supported by the National Institute on Aging. The findings show how social ties bolster health—from slowing aging and boosting cancer-fighting hormones to preventing depression and protecting memory. This evidence can inform interventions to support longer and healthier lives for older Americans. more info >

Americans' Social Media Use
Pew Research Center, January 2024, 15 pp.
National figures on social media use, including an overview of demographics and changes over time. more info >

Volunteering and Civic Life in America
Corporation for National and Community Service, December 2023, 8 pp.
A comprehensive look at volunteering and civic life. Provides national, state, and large city data. more info >

Civic Life Today: The State of U.S. Civic Engagement
Points of Light, April 2022, 20 pp.
This report explores Americans’ attitudes, behaviors and barriers around civic engagement. more info >

Web sites

NCoC Civic Health Initiatives
A series of reports designed to inform citizens and policymakers about the state of our civil society and democracy. The Indices measure how well Americans are connecting to each other and their communities by rates of volunteering, voting, connections to civic and religious organizations, trust in other Americans and key institutions, and other civic behavior and attitudes. Reports focus on different populations groups and topics. more info >