Third Sector: what is it?
“The Third Sector is composed by private entities established for the non-profit scope, with a focus in civic, solidarity and socially purposes.
Following the principle of subsidiarity, they carry out activities through voluntary and gratuitous (free) actions.”
The definition of the Third Sector is set in Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the Delegated Law No. 106/2016.
The name (Third Sector) is a consequence of the preceding 2 sectors: the first-one (the State) and the second one (the market).
We can define the Third Sector as the set of organizations that operate on a humanitarian and social level.
Third Sector entities must meet specific requirements.
Should be composed by private entity and therefore separate from the public sector.
Should carry out specific activities (general interest) focus on the principle of subsidiarity.
Should not distribute any profits among their members or associates but have to reinvest them in the activities.
The general interest activities and the socially purposes are the basis of Third Sector organizations, and can be detailed as followinglist: artistic and cultural organizations, foundations, recreational or sports clubs, communities, religious congregations, voluntary service organizations, nonprofit organizations providing assistance services, organizations that carry out other social solidarity activities, in the field of promoting human and civil rights, environmental protection or the promotion of sports.
The evolution of the Third Sector
Legislative Decree 117/2017 regulated the Third Sector. It disciplines it at the organizational, regulatory and fiscal levels. This decree also specifies responsibilities and duties for entities under this category. Other regulations have been implemented in later stages, and some are still awaiting the implementation phase amid various slowdowns and obstacles the Covid-19 pandemic. The ETS (third sector entities) reform cancelled ONLUS and simplified the organizations’ statute. They are regulated:- APS Associations of Social Promotion,
- ODV Volunteer Organizations,
- EF Philanthropic Entities,
- IS Social Enterprises, including social cooperatives,
- SMS Mutual Aid Societies,
- ETS other Third Sector entities.
The ongoing reforms and the continuous evolution of the sector require experts capable of supporting the entities. e-IUS professionals make their consolidated experience in the Third Sector available to these organizations.
The focus team of e-IUS is dedicated to the entities, supporting them in establishing in the Third Sector. Consulting activities (including drafting of acts, preparation of social financial statement)are some of the e-IUS business.
The Third Sector represents an economic reality in many countries.
Being part of the Third Sector means having responsibilities in the social sphere, but also advantages and fiscal benefits, with obligations of transparency.
