The Latest from Third Plateau: Fall 2024

Inspiring news, events, and resources from the Third Plateau community

As we embrace the season of change this autumn, we’re reflecting on the remarkable progress and increased civic engagement we've witnessed this year—especially with the uncertainty of the November elections at our door.

It’s also been a year of growth at Third Plateau. Last November, we announced our exciting merger with Hirsch Philanthropy Partners, one of the first philanthropic advising firms in the U.S. Our Third Plateau team now includes more than 80 passionate and innovative experts—all working together to drive meaningful change. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to meet our expanded team and explore the collective expertise we're bringing to our partners and communities.

Below you’ll find some of the latest news from our community.

• The Hellman Foundation's journey to begin spending down its assets by 2034 is explored in a recent Inside Philanthropy article featuring Third Plateau Principal and founding Executive Director of the Hellman Foundation, Susan Hirsch , and Vice President at Third Plateau and current Executive Director of the Hellman Foundation , Annie U. . According to Hirsch, “When the foundation’s doors close, it’s not going away, because the impact it has on communities will remain and be played forward. That will be the legacy.” ?

• Third Plateau, in partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy and Civic Resolve, released Indigenous-led Civic Engagement: A Funder Guide for 2024 and Beyond. This first-of-its-kind resource highlights Indigenous-led organizations and projects across the U.S. focused on engaging voters, protecting voting rights, and cultivating Indigenous political candidates. The guide aims to inspire ongoing philanthropic support for Indigenous civic engagement well past 2024. To learn more, join our free webinar on Friday, Oct 11 featuring presenters from Third Plateau, Native Americans in Philanthropy , GET OUT THE NATIVE VOTE , and North Dakota Native Vote .

• Our team at the Democracy Funders Network, in partnership with Impala, is excited to introduce the U.S. Democracy Hub, a groundbreaking free data platform designed to revolutionize how the democracy sector is understood and supported. Explore the Hub to discover new grantees, identify collaborative partners, gain valuable insights, refine your strategies, and more.
• In a recent interview with Inside Philanthropy, Third Plateau Co-founder and Executive Director of the Democracy Funders Network, Mike Berkowitz , shares insights on how growing concerns about election security and the future of civic engagement are shaping donor strategies in the final stretch before the November election.
• Third Plateau is hiring! We’re accepting rolling applications for a staff accountant and finance director position. We encourage finance professionals of various experience levels to learn more and apply.

Our philanthropy community has been inquiring about emergency response and recovery recommendations for the devastation in the Southeast U.S. from Hurricane Helene. Here are three trusted regional and local organizations to consider supporting:

• Organizing Resilience’s Hurricane Helene Response Fund utilizes a rapid response infrastructure and strategic organizing so leaders in climate vulnerable areas can better provide aid to their communities.
• The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund is quickly deploying resources to small community nonprofits best positioned to support their local areas.
• The Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area’s Helene Emergency Response Fund is rapidly providing food, temporary and transitional housing, financial assistance, childcare, and other critical needs.

We love celebrating our clients’ successes, including these recent achievements:

• Melinda French Gates announced a $1 billion commitment to advance women’s power globally, with our client, Crystal Echo Hawk , Founder & CEO of IllumiNative Org , recognized as one of 12 global leaders awarded a $20 million fund to distribute to charitable organizations doing urgent work to improve women’s health and well-being.
• TIME Magazine featured Pregnancy Justice President, Lourdes Rivera , highlighting the organization’s vital work defending the rights of pregnant people.
• Resetting the Table , a ‘Healing Starts Here’ grantee of New Pluralists , was featured in a conversation about bridge-building across divides.
• The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh successfully launched their Global Citizens Fellowship, a six-month training program for local leaders about how global issues like artificial intelligence, climate change, and migration affect Pittsburgh.

If you’re ready to turn your ideas into reality, don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime.