Collaboration = Greater Revenue

Collaboration = Greater Revenue

By Susan Kavanaugh, Relationship Manager

Why partnerships with other nonprofits significantly increase your organization’s success?

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

—African Proverb

There are more than ten million nonprofits worldwide and 1.5 million in the United States alone. Compared to the growth of the US for-profit business sector in the last ten years, the nonprofit industry has increased by 20% versus only a 2-3% rise in for-profits.

Historically, most nonprofits work endlessly to position themselves as unique, flaunting some aspect of operations, programs, or projects that differentiate them from every other nonprofit with whom they compete. NPOs do this to help as they seek financial gifts from donors or grantors. They believe that by using the most attractive lure or fattest worm, they will catch the biggest fish. Competition is often all nonprofits know. It's something ingrained in the battle for financing. 

For many young nonprofits, the concept of collaboration feels new, yet, multitudes of strategic groups have been canceling that culture since the turn of the century. Collaboration pays huge rewards because many foundations and funders want to see strategic partnerships that address multiple facets of a community or social issue, allowing for greater returns on investments and a longer-lasting impact on societal service. 

Some of the most notable collaborations are between companies focusing on corporate social responsibility and NPOs. Some of these include:

• Common Threads and Patagonia

• Childfund International and Tom’s Shoes

• Feeding America and Door Dash

However, partnerships between two nonprofit organizations are just as effective. Consider a domestic violence shelter partnering with an art therapy-focused nonprofit on an “emotional healing” program. Another concept includes a land preservation nonprofit that might partner with a wildlife rescue group. You get the idea.

Some of the more successful collaborations include partnerships between cities, advocacy groups, and nonprofits. The potential for securing significant revenue and creating a powerful impact is endless.

If your organization has never positioned itself in collaboration with other organizations, then where do you start? 

Examine what your nonprofit provides, and then brainstorm. Do you have a program idea, but can’t afford to launch? Look around. Who is offering that service? Can you come together with them and share resources to maximize the program? 

Your potential partners are there.

“It takes a village.” An oft-used platitude, but filled with truth. #truth.

Begin making a real difference. Join hands with those you may have seen as “the enemy” or competitor. What is your real mission anyhow?