Behind every policy is a person waiting for a decision that will shape their life. A parent navigating early childhood services. A young person caught in the juvenile justice system. A family trying to access behavioral health care. These are the people at the center of “Systems That Serve,” our new series of case studies examining what real systems change looks like through the impact of our work across three projects over the past five years. These case studies showcase how we support government agencies and nonprofits to design, implement,

Sobrato Philanthropies recently selected Third Sector to provide strategic advisory support to strengthen public-private partnerships and build the conditions for long-term economic mobility across Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda counties in California. Over the next year, Third Sector will support Sobrato Philanthropies in identifying public funding streams, assessing existing community initiatives, and developing strategies that align philanthropic investments with government priorities and community-led solutions.

With many community-led initiatives facing uncertain long-term sustainability, this partnership will help identify how public funding, philanthropic strategy, and collective action can work together more effectively.

Third Sector and Education Strategy Group (ESG) are proud to announce the release of their new report, “The Future is Portable: Designing Equitable Credentialing Ecosystems.” This timely publication explores the transformative potential of non-degree credentials (NDCs) and digital wallets in advancing economic mobility and equity, while also addressing the challenges that hinder their widespread adoption and impact.

The report highlights how NDCs—such as certificates, certifications, licenses, and badges—are becoming increasingly vital pathways to quality jobs. Yet, today’s credentialing landscape remains fragmented, leaving learners uncertain about which NDCs hold value and employers

Third Sector is partnering with the Orange County Health Care Agency to provide comprehensive implementation support and subject matter expertise for the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), California’s landmark legislation to transform behavioral health systems. Under the BHSA, counties must redesign Full Service Partnerships (FSPs) to prioritize behavioral health equity, integrate mental health and substance abuse services, and deliver measurable outcomes.

This work falls under Orange County’s PIVOT initiative, a multi-component BHSA Innovation project designed to test bold approaches to behavioral health transformation. Through this effort, Third Sector will serve as

With support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP Employment & Training Partnership Grant, the National Governors Association (NGA), in partnership with Third Sector, has launched the second cohort of the Policy Academy to Strengthen SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) Delivery. Cross-agency teams from Maryland, North Carolina, Idaho, and South Carolina have been selected to join this national initiative focused on expanding access to SNAP E&T services. Together with NGA and participating states, Third Sector will help advance strategies that improve service coordination and strengthen outcomes for SNAP E&T participants.

This

Third Sector is delighted to announce an expansion of our work advancing the adoption of Lifelong Learning Accounts (LiLAs) through a renewed $1 million grant from the Sijbrandij Foundation. This investment deepens the work of our Postsecondary Opportunity Practice Area, positioning LiLAs as a core strategy to support adult learners in accessing flexible, career-connected funding for education, upskilling, and credential attainment.

LiLAs are learner-centered savings vehicles that help individuals fund postsecondary education and workforce training, especially outside of traditional degree paths. In this next phase, Third Sector will continue to partner