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Understanding Nonprofit Collaborations: Key Insights and Takeaways

Understanding Nonprofit Collaborations: Key Insights and Takeaways

In the nonprofit world, working together can make a huge difference. The article “Making Sense of Nonprofit Collaborations” by Alex Neuhoff, Katie Smith Milway, Reilly Kiernan, and Josh Grehan from the Bridgespan Group explores how nonprofits collaborate, how effective these collaborations are, and what challenges they face. This article, now part of the YD Co-Lab’s Knowledge Resource Library, provides valuable insights for any organization looking to improve their teamwork and impact.

Why Collaborate?

There’s an old saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This idea is becoming more popular among nonprofits. Working together can help organizations avoid repeating efforts and achieve more by combining their strengths.

Types of Collaboration

The article breaks down collaboration into four main types:

  1. Associations: Groups of organizations working together over a long time to achieve shared goals. They have formal agreements but keep their own governance.
  2. Joint Programs: Organizations team up to run programs together, sharing responsibilities but still managing themselves separately.
  3. Shared Support Functions: Organizations share administrative tasks like accounting or HR, either by contracting services or using a third party.
  4. Mergers: Two or more organizations join forces completely, either becoming one entity or forming affiliates or subsidiaries.

Each type has its own benefits, from advocacy to reducing costs and expanding programs.

What the Research Found

The study, done with The Lodestar Foundation, surveyed 237 nonprofit CEOs and 101 foundation officers. Here are some key takeaways:

  • More Collaboration Than Expected: Nonprofits are teaming up more than anticipated.
  • Success Across the Board: Collaborations of all types are generally successful.
  • Desire for More: Both nonprofits and funders want more collaboration, especially in shared support functions and mergers.

However, the study also found three main challenges:

  1. Lack of Funder Support: Nonprofits often struggle with not having enough financial support from funders for collaborative projects.
  2. Finding the Right Partner: It can be tough to find the right organization to team up with and agree on roles.
  3. Funder Influence: Sometimes, funders’ well-meaning involvement can complicate joint programs rather than help.

Conclusion

The article highlights positive trends in nonprofit collaboration but also points out the need for better support to overcome challenges. By understanding different types of collaboration and addressing these obstacles, nonprofits can work together more effectively and make a bigger impact.

Read the Full Article

For a more detailed look at these insights, check out the full article “Making Sense of Nonprofit Collaborations” [here](https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/making-sense-of-nonprofit-collaborations).

This addition to the YD Co-Lab’s Knowledge Resource Library is a must-read for anyone in the nonprofit sector looking to improve their collaboration efforts and drive greater social change.