In this nonprofit spotlight, we sit down with Caroline Whistler, CEO of Third Sector Capital Partners, an organization dedicated to transforming public systems to advance equitable outcomes for all. Caroline shares how her team helps governments use taxpayer dollars more effectively by centering community voices, data-driven outcomes, and collaborative partnerships with nonprofits.

This conversation explores how governments and nonprofits can align around shared goals, co-design better funding models, and foster systems that measurably improve people’s lives.

Key Topics Discussed

• Transforming Public Systems:
  How Third Sector partners with local and state governments to make public funding more responsive to community needs.
• Outcomes-Focused Approach:
  Why measuring long-term improvements in people’s lives—rather than activity counts—is the true measure of success.
• Government & Community Collaboration:
  How government agencies are learning from nonprofits and adopting human-centered design practices to improve outcomes.
• Case Study — Los Angeles County:
  A powerful example of how Third Sector worked with the Department of Youth Development to rewrite contracting processes, giving small community-based organizations better access to public funding.
• Scaling Successful Models:
  Lessons from LA now being replicated in counties like Cuyahoga (Cleveland) and Cook (Illinois), showing how philanthropy and nonprofits can drive systemic change.
• Advice for Nonprofits:
  Practical steps for nonprofit leaders to identify government partners, build relationships, and align around shared North Star goals.
• Shared Goal Setting in Action:
  How Third Sector helped the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative uncover root causes behind low college completion rates—and redesign funding to include wraparound supports like childcare and transportation.

About Charity Charge

Charity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.