This article critically examines the conditions for a thriving third sector with reference to the record of one developed country, the United Kingdom (UK), and a set of selected developing countries. Firstly, it theoretically analyses civil society-state relations with the aim of conceptualising and contextualising third sector activity in public service delivery. Since the UK has had the densest networks of civic association and a rich philanthropic past, it presents a potent case for analysing conditions conducive to a thriving third sector. Secondly, the article further examines and analyses the UK as a case for third sector-state collaboration. Thirdly, it discusses and analyses selected cases from developing countries which have among them a combination of common features and clear differences of the sort that present opportunities for exploring common and divergent trends that impinge upon third sector activity. The article thu