Civic society, usually defined as the layer in society that’s not government or business, where democratic culture lives and breathes. It builds up social trust and intellectual capital.
The sector is made up of higher education and research institutions, places of worship, independent journalism, nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, professional associations, and civic clubs. As a whole, this layer educates and organizes citizens. When civil society weakens, democratic backsliding can accelerate—even if elections continue.
This memo explores six new opportunities that civic society should consider in 2026.
Civic society, usually defined as the layer in society that’s not government or business, where democratic culture lives and breathes. It builds up social trust and intellectual capital.
The sector is made up of higher education and research institutions, places of worship, independent journalism, nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, professional associations, and civic clubs. As a whole, this layer educates and organizes citizens. When civil society weakens, democratic backsliding can accelerate—even if elections continue.
This memo explores six new opportunities that civic society should consider in 2026.
