Endogeneity is often regarded as a key barrier in establishing the causal relationship between the third sector and its societal impact in empirical research. Through a systematic literature review of the quantitative studies on the third sector's impact in the last two decades, we find that most quantitative studies of the third sector's societal impact are published in journals outside main third sector journals. We also offer specific examples of how recent methodological advancements in addressing endogeneity help third sector researchers better solve this problem.Based on the analysis of this literature review, we recommend that third sector scholars should (1) refocus on the big question of the third sector's impact on society, (2) catch up with the methodological advancement in addressing endogeneity, (3) be creative and transparent about addressing endogeneity, and (4) build better theories to link the third sector to broad societal outcomes.

The relationship between refugee investments in human capital and short‐run economic outcomes may influence the extent to which refugees invest in human capital that is associated with positive future economic mobility. Using data from the Annual Survey of Refugees from 2016 and 2017 we assess the relationship between recent investments in human capital and hourly wages for employed refugees in the United States. Results suggest that recent job training has a positive effect on hourly wages. In contrast, enrollment in English classes and educational programmes have no short‐term positive effects on hourly wages. When combined with the pressure resettled refugees experience to find employment quickly, these results suggest that the lack of short‐term wage benefits from English language or educational courses may dissuade refugees from sufficiently investing in the amount of English language or education necessary to promote positive long‐term economic mobility.