Strategy, guidance, and analysis
for foundations and nonprofits
Third Sector’s work is based on the idea that our field should be better connected — from foundations to nonprofits to the public sector. Success is interdependent. It emerges from the overlap of strategies, investments, and geographies.
Backed by three decades of experience with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, National Geographic Society Education Foundation, and The Pew Charitable Trusts, we offer expertise, thought partnership, and bandwidth on:
Strategic Planning
Initiative Design & Execution
Analysis of Your Ongoing Alignment, Progress, and Impact
Field Positioning
Improvement in the Effectiveness of Your Convenings, Publications, and Messaging & Outreach
“Surface that big idea and wield it. Leaders will respond.”
— CHRIS SHEARER, EPFP Alumni Stories
Our Clients
Third Sector works with partners across the country—from school innovators supporting specific places, to place-based change agents expanding their impact nationally, to multi-state intermediaries working for coherent systemic reform. Key services include providing assistance on strategic planning; initiative design and development; report analysis and outreach; programmatic resources and expansion; and more. Meet our clients
What We’re Saying
Third Sector’s founder, Chris Shearer, regularly publishes on issues related to philanthropy and nonprofits. From education to youth development, read Tweets, blogs, and position papers on such topics as policy research, design, and advocacy; equity; and more. Read More
About
A seasoned grantmaking leader, Third Sector founder and principal Christopher Shearer has spent half his career in philanthropy and half in nonprofits — providing a unique perspective on the sector. More about Chris
Contact & FAQs
The best projects begin with a conversation about what’s on your mind— from obstacles to opportunities. Third Sector is ready to help when you’re ready to connect.