Founded in 1992, the International Society for Third-Sector Research (ISTR) is a major international association promoting research and education in the fields of civil society, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector. ISTR is an organization committed to building a global community of scholars and interested others dedicated to the creation, discussion, and advancement of knowledge pertaining to the Third Sector and its impact on human and planetary well-being and development internationally. As an organization, ISTR is recognized and respected for its global vision, its commitment to excellence, its collaborative approach, and the values of diversity and pluralism with which it pursues its mission.



The Society's mission is to promote the development of high quality research and education internationally on Third Sector related issues, theories, and policies; and to enhance the dissemination and application of knowledge about the Third Sector as widely as possible throughout the world. ISTR strives to broaden the participation of researchers in all parts of the world and in all disciplines, with special emphasis given to expand the number of Third Sector researchers in developing nations and Central and Eastern Europe.



The Society is expanding and stimulating the development of research on critical issues in the voluntary sector. ISTR is also playing an increasingly dynamic role in the field of nonprofits by pioneering an effort to establish regional research networks.