About Us
Protecting and empowering effective, independent charitable organizations
The Charitable Independence Initiative is a national, nonpartisan effort launched to strengthen the independence and public standing of the nonprofit sector in the United States. We focus on equipping local nonprofit leaders with the tools to communicate their impact and build direct, constructive relationships with public officials.
Our Funders
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Special thanks to individual donors.
Meet The Team
Founder & CEO
Diana is a nationally recognized leader in the charitable and civic sectors, with decades of experience strengthening nonprofit institutions and advancing democratic values at the intersection of civil society, public policy, and philanthropy. Diana is the founder and Principal of ourCovenant, whose mission is building and deepening partnerships with communities of faith in support of democracy. She previously served as President and CEO of Independent Sector, where she was a leading voice on nonprofit independence, advocacy, and public trust, working closely with nonprofit leaders, major foundations, and policymakers across the political spectrum. Throughout her career, Diana has advised national and community-based organizations on governance, narrative strategy, and constructive engagement with elected officials. She currently leads the Charitable Independence Initiative, a multi-state effort to equip nonprofits with the skills, confidence, and relationships needed to defend their independence, elevate their public standing, and engage policymakers with integrity and impact.
Managing Director for Programs and Public Affairs
Erica Greeley is the Managing Director of Programs and Public Affairs at the Charitable Independence Initiative (CII), where she partners with local communities to increase awareness and support for the nonprofit sector. She has spent over 20 years in nonprofit networks, working at the intersection where national public policy and research meet local implementation and experience. Erica has connected nonprofit leaders to resources, best practices, and innovation across a range of fields, including social services, workforce development, economic mobility, and nonprofit capacity building. She began her career running after school programs in under-resourced neighborhoods, currently serves as a senior advisor to the National Council of Workforce Boards, and is an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Management.
Senior Director for Programs, Development & Field Engagement
Susan Kemp is a program strategy, learning, and capacity strengthening leader with 20+ years of experience helping nonprofit and civil society organizations strengthen civic participation, build organizational capacity, and engage effectively with public institutions in complex environments around the world. Prior to CII, Susan led the governance practice at Creative Associates International and was Democracy and Governance Global Practice Lead at Chemonics International. Susan has worked with organizations including World Vision US, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the National Democratic Institute, and Freedom House, providing technical assistance and supporting nonprofit initiatives globally. She holds an M.A. in Human Rights from the University of Denver.
Operations, Research, and Program Manager
Miriam Frost is a program management specialist with over a decade of experience strengthening democratic systems and institutions in complex international environments. Prior to joining CII, Miriam worked at the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives where she oversaw programming to promote stability and strengthen social cohesion in Ethiopia. She has also managed West Africa programming at the International Republican Institute, leading initiatives on civil society support, political party reform, and inclusive governance. Miriam has a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and speaks English and French.