The Third Sector makes a direct impact on the growth of Scotland's economy, the wellbeing of its citizens and the improvement of its public services.
The Third Sector has an important role in helping the Scottish Government achieve its purpose of creating a more successful country with opportunities for all to flourish, through achieving sustainable economic growth.
At a local level the relationship between local government and the third sector is extremely important given the role of the third sector in Community Planning Partnerships and developing Single Outcome Agreements.
The Joint Statement on the relationship at local level between government and the third sector outlines the key principles which inform this relationship.
The Scottish Government is committed to the development of an enterprising Third Sector in Scotland and will provide £93 million of funding up until 2011.
See the Enterprising Third Sector Action Plan which was launched in June 2008.