"ANSER is working to:

• build a collaborative community of scholars and researchers; and
• to develop a Canadian body of knowledge that encompasses such fields as community economic development, philanthropy, nonprofit management, volunteering, social and environmental accounting, government/voluntary sector relationships, social movements, citizen engagement, and civil society.

Our vision for membership embraces a variety of scholarly fields including economics, history, law, business and management, education, psychology, political science, public administration, and sociology.

ANSER provides opportunities for members to share their knowledge and expertise, including an annual conference held with the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Our vision is to work collaboratively with other associations with complementary interests and goals."

"Founded in 1978 to provide a focal point for the handful of people engaged in the emerging field of voluntary sector research. In more recent years ARVAC has concentrated its work on the community sector and community research.

ARVAC aims to act as a resource to people interested in research in or on community organisations; promote and help develop effective and appropriate forms of research in or on community organisations; encourage and facilitate networking and collaboration between people undertaking work in this field; ensure that the findings of research in and on community organisations are made available to policy-makers at all levels; and play a role in identifying gaps in knowledge of the community sector and the need for further research."

"Founded in 1971 as the Association of Voluntary Action Scholars, ARNOVA is a neutral, open forum committed to strengthening the research community in the emerging field of nonprofit and philanthropic studies. ARNOVA brings together both theoretical and applied interests, helping scholars gain insight into the day-to-day concerns of third-sector organizations, while providing nonprofit professionals with research they can use to improve the quality of life for citizens and communities. Principal activities include an annual conference, publications, electronic discussions and special interest groups."

"Founded in 1992, 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."

"NCVO was founded in 1919 and it is the largest umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in England, with sister councils in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. NCVO has over 5,450 members. With over 280,000 staff and over 13 million volunteers working for its members, it represents and supports almost half the voluntary sector workforce. NCVO’s vision is of a society in which people are inspired to make a positive difference to their communities. Its mission is to provide a strong voice and the best support for a vibrant voluntary and community.

NCVO is a highly effective lobbying organisation and represents the views of its members and the wider voluntary sector to government, the European Union and other bodies. It is also at the leading edge of research into, and analysis of, the voluntary sector. It campaigns on generic issues affecting the whole of the voluntary sector such as the role of the voluntary organisations in public service delivery and the future of local government.  NCVO has several specialist teams who provide information, advice and support to others working in or with the voluntary sector."

"The third sector research centre exists to develop the evidence base on, for and with the third sector in the UK. Working closely with practitioners, policy-makers and other academics, TSRC is undertaking and reviewing research, and making this research widely available.

The Centre works in collaboration with the third sector, ensuring its research reflects the realities of those working within it, and helping to build the sector’s capacity to use and conduct research."