International Society for Third Sector Research

ISTR is a global, interdisciplinary community dedicated to advancing research on the third sector, encompassing civil society, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, volunteering, and social movements. Our mission is to advance knowledge about the Third Sector/Civil Society. Through its continuing operations, the Society seeks to: Motivate excellence in the research & study of the Third Sector/Civil Society & impactful dissemination & utilization of that knowledge, ideas, & research findings; Foster a global community & inclusive networking & learning amongst Third Sector scholars, practitioners, policymakers in all parts of the world & in all disciplines; Support research-informed teaching on all aspects of the Third Sector/Civil Society at all levels of education. To serve these purposes, the Society holds international research conferences; publishes the journal Voluntas; supports emerging scholars in our PhD Seminars and mentoring programs; & engages in other activities that further its mission.