Nonprofit Collaborations: The Spectrum of Options

Shannon M. Thomas

Seattle University’s Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership Program Alum

In these times of meager funding, duplication of services, and the growing number of nonprofits in our region, many alternatives exist to nonprofits who are continually competing for the same resources. Whether at the behest of funders, compliance with government mandates, or to combine resources around certain efforts, many nonprofits have entered into collaborative alliances. However, the majority of nonprofits continue competing for the same resources, despite the existence of other alternatives. From ASO’s, co-sponsorships, joint ventures, federations, consortiums, networks, coalitions, parent-subsidiaries, mergers, to consolidations, there are numerous ways that nonprofits can align themselves with each other and create a successful collaboration. My intent is to expose you to a different way of thinking about working with other nonprofit organizations and how collaborations can make a greater impact in the work you do; to give you an overview of the key ingredients involved in such work; and what will make the most difference for your organization. Even though we’re all aware these options exist, making them viable and tangible options is another story. From assessing and deciding which option is right for your organization, to implementation, to measuring success, there are many components that seem daunting for leaders to even begin the process. However, my research has shown that if taken step by step, in a methodical and creative manner, the outcomes of a collaborative venture can be a win-win situation for all involved, including, and most importantly, those you serve. By joining together, we can achieve much more than we can separately.