ISTR is a membership association whose mission is to build and support a global community of researchers committed to the production and dissemination of knowledge to better understand the role and contribution of the third sector. We also work to: promote the development of high quality research and education internationally on Third Sector related issues, theories and politics; enhance the dissemination and application of knowledge about the Third Sector as widely as possible throughout the world; stimulate and facilitate collaborative research initiatives; broaden the participation of researchers in all parts of the world and in diverse disciplines; enable scholars and educators to keep abreast of rapid changes in the third sector and to be aware of best practices and available research; facilitate regional research networks and affinity groups that foster individual and institutional capacities for Third Sector research, education, and practical application.