Insights

Articles, ideas, and updates for lasting social good.

In an Era of Constant Change, Nonprofits Must Foster Learning Cultures

In a recent Nonprofit Quarterly article, Third Plateau Co-Founder Jonathan Kaufman shares four practical steps nonprofit leaders can take to build organizations that thrive in uncertain times.

U.S. Democracy Hub Wins Two Anthem Awards for Best Use of Data

The U.S. Democracy Hub, co-created by Third Plateau, has won two Anthem Awards for its groundbreaking use of data to strengthen transparency and coordination in the nonprofit democracy sector.

After San Francisco Parks Alliance Collapse, Third Plateau Leads $2M Fund

Third Plateau quickly mobilized $2M to support San Francisco neighborhood groups and parks after the collapse of the Parks Alliance, modeling how philanthropic, public, and private partnerships can drive place-based impact.

Third Plateau is one of Fast Company’s 2025 Best Workplaces for Innovators

We’re thrilled to share that Third Plateau has been named one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators 2025 in the “Small and Mighty” category!

What Evaluation Capacity Could Be

Over 10 weeks, 21 arts and culture leaders joined us to reimagine evaluation as a tool for learning, connection, and community care — not just compliance.

Do and Learn: Moving from Uncertainty to Action in Philanthropy

Philanthropy does not need perfect answers right now, but it does need movement grounded in values and responsive to the moment. Third Plateau Vice President Philippe Sion offers tips for funders to act, learn, and adapt.

The Culture-Performance Connection: 5 Ways to Shape Teams for Strategic Impact

Social impact leaders are facing unprecedented uncertainty in the face of federal changes and sector burnout, but how we cultivate culture at our organizations—and show up for each other—is still within our control.

Defending Civil Society: Actions for Philanthropy and Nonprofits

A strong nonprofit and public sector is central to our democracy. Here are 5 actions to protect and safeguard its integrity.

Three Reasons Why Nonprofit Executive Directors Need Sabbaticals Now More than Ever

Third Plateau Vice President and Executive Director of O2 Initiatives, Emily Cohen Raskin, was interviewed in May 2023 on the Successful Nonprofits podcast about the wide-ranging benefits of sabbaticals in the nonprofit sector.

Values in Action: Culture Planning for Long-Term Success

How organizations can craft a lasting roadmap to express, sustain, and nurture the culture that turns great ideas into lasting success.

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