“What’s Next, America?” is growing through the energy, ideas, and commitment of partners across the country. From local conveners and civic organizations to schools, colleges, libraries, foundations, and community leaders, these partners are helping people come together to talk honestly, make choices about what matters most, and take action alongside one another. We’re grateful to be part of this growing network and excited to see what communities build together in this historic moment—and for the next 250 years.
AASCU’s American Democracy Project (ADP)
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ American Democracy Project (ADP) and the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) are pleased to announce a funded faculty-staff cohort that builds on their longstanding partnership and leverages the “What’s Next, America?” framework. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the cohort will support AASCU campuses in advancing deliberative democracy and civic engagement through the public institutions that educate most American undergraduates. Application details will be available in August.
James Madison University’s Madison Center for Civic Engagement
James Madison University’s Madison Center for Civic Engagement and the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) are excited to partner over the next three years to bring the K-12 “What’s Next, America?” initiative to educators across the country. Launched in July 2026, the partnership will offer a series of teacher workshops that help educators invite young people into meaningful conversations, thoughtful decision-making, and civic action in their schools and communities during this historic anniversary year and beyond.
The National Civic League
The National Civic League and the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) have partnered closely on “What’s Next, America?” from the initiative’s earliest stages, with the League serving as an important thought partner in its design and development. Building on the League’s deep network of civic leaders and All-America City communities, the partnership is helping communities across the country use the nation’s 250th anniversary as an opportunity to broaden participation in civic life, welcome new perspectives, work through shared challenges, and take action together for the future.
North Carolina Campus Engagement
North Carolina Campus Engagement is partnering with the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) to bring “What’s Next, America?” to communities and campuses across the state. In June 2026, North Carolina Campus Engagement hosted the first in-person “What’s Next, America?” workshop and began using the initiative to help partners across North Carolina identify shared priorities and set direction for the next chapter of the state’s civic health work. The partnership is creating opportunities for people to connect across institutions and communities, learn from one another, and build toward coordinated action on the challenges and opportunities shaping North Carolina’s future.
David Mathews Center for Civic Life
The David Mathews Center for Civic Life (DMC) is partnering with the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) to engage communities across Alabama through “What’s Next, America?” over the coming year. That work is already underway in Montevallo, where the DMC is working alongside local partners to bring residents together, identify shared priorities, and explore how they can take action on the future of their community. Building on its long history of community-based civic engagement across Alabama, the DMC will help communities adapt “What’s Next, America?” to local needs and strengthen their capacity to talk, decide, and act together.
“What’s Next, America?” conversations are happening—and growing—in communities across the country. Explore the map to see where people are coming together to talk, decide, and act. Want to share your interest by adding your town/city? Fill out this form!
This page will continue to be updated as more partners are announced. If you’re interested in exploring a partnership with NIFI or are an existing partner and would like to be added to this page, reach out to Cristin Brawner at cbrawner@nifi.org.