.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Overview
Before launching a new nonprofit, the founder should research other organizations doing similar work, join them, or at least learn from them. Finding others to work with collaboratively can accelerate the launch of this new mission resulting in impact being realized much sooner. Make sure the concept you have is strong and well thought out prior to approaching another organization. Whether it is sharing office space, referring clients to each other, or any other mutual benefit, collaborations can save time, money, and accelerate both organizations’ work.
The first step is to ask the potential partner, how can we help you? What are your current challenges? The second step is then to ask them how they can help you? See what resources or assistance each organization can bring to the partnership. Start with one area first and then build to multiple projects. The key is to get started versus staying forever in discussion mode.
Once the areas for collaboration are identified, evaluate whether the following pre-conditions are met. Please see this chapter’s resource section for 3 summary documents on collaboration by Reggie McNeal.
- First, is there a sense of urgency for doing the work?
- Second, are there adequate resources?
- Third, is there a champion for the cause?
- Fourth, is there a convener that will call the parties together and has enough clout or influence to get people to show up for the meetings and the work?
- Finally, is there someone who can guide or shape the conversation who is neutral to the project?
It is important to document the roles and responsibilities of each partner. Writing down all the details will hopefully lessen misunderstandings and capture unmet expectations before the partnership begins. Include in the documentation what the measurements of success are for each partner. Communication along the way is essential to stay on track and to build and maintain a strong relationship. The initial plan will usually need to be tweaked or reinforced along the way based on unexpected discoveries.
Leader’s Wisdom
The Power of Collaboration in Nonprofit Work
1. Research and Environmental Scan:
- Begin your nonprofit journey by conducting thorough online research to identify organizations with similar objectives in your community.
- Avoid duplication of work, as it can make fundraising challenging and be less effective in serving the community.
2. Knowing When You've Searched Enough:
- The extent of your environmental search for similar organizations should be done locally and nationally. There may be organizations already doing similar work in other states that would like to expand to your location or who may be willing to share their program material or other documents that may save you time, money, and/or work.
- Seek feedback from the people you aim to serve, other nonprofits in the community, local businesses, and government officials, including the mayor and police.
3. Strength in Numbers:
- Embrace collaboration for greater chances of success.
- Seek like-minded organizations with similar goals and explore opportunities to join or partner with them.
4. Fiscal Sponsorship:
- Consider the option of partnering with a like-minded organization to serve as your nonprofit's fiscal agent.
- A fiscal sponsor can receive tax-deductible donations on your behalf and offer various back-office support services.
5. Collaboration and Humility:
- Recognize that no one possesses all the necessary skills, and that formal or informal collaboration in your community is essential for organizational strength.
- Overcome "founder's syndrome" and focus on shared success.
- Seek win-win-win collaborations that benefit all parties involved.
- Look for complementary services and learn from other successful models.
6. Emotional Motivations:
- Avoid starting a nonprofit solely based on emotional reasons, such as personal tragedy.
- Seek clarity through prayer and introspection to determine if you are the right person to initiate the nonprofit.
7. Legal Structure Considerations:
- Explore different legal structures such as nonprofit, for-profit, LLC, or S Corp.
- Research various existing organizations that align with your mission to explore how they are structured.
8. Differentiation and Community Needs:
- Differentiate your organization by researching the community's needs and landscape.
- Consider joining an existing agency and proposing your idea as a new program, keep in mind that a great idea doesn't always require a new organization.
9. Challenges of Nonprofit Launch:
- Understand that launching and sustaining a nonprofit is challenging work.
- Build a network of advisors and mentors for support and idea generation.
10. Addressing Competition:
- Recognize that there are many nonprofits competing for donor dollars.
- Cultural, personal, philosophical, or historical differences can sometimes hinder collaboration.
11. Program vs. Infrastructure:
- Before starting a new organization, assess whether it's more than just one program.
- Setting up back-office infrastructure should align with the program's complexity.
12. Evaluating Partnership Potential:
- Evaluate the potential partnership to ensure it's a positive fit for both organizations.
- Consider the capacity and commitment of both nonprofits before committing.
13. Community of Advisors:
- Form a community of advisors to vet new ideas, share knowledge, and provide accountability. Nonprofits are critical for holding communities together.
14. The Value of Collaboration:
- Encourage collaboration even in a competitive landscape.
- Celebrate the work of others and consider creating a podcast to share collaborative efforts and gather valuable feedback.
15. Addressing Resource Capacity:
- Collaboration is a way to address resource constraints, including time and finances.
Resources
Articles
- Good Cities has a helpful article called “Leadership for City Movements: Seven Signature Elements.” https://goodcities.net/797-2/#more-797
Websites
- Minnesota Council for Nonprofits has an article on “Strategic Alliances.” https://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/resources-tools/principles-practices-for-nonprofit-excellence/strategic-alliances
- Minnesota Council for Nonprofits has a video on “Alternatives to Starting a Nonprofit.” https://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/resources-tools/starting-a-nonprofit/alternatives-to-starting-a-nonprofit
- Mockingbird Incubator has a fiscal sponsorship service that provides a jumpstart, so you don’t have to wait for your 501(c)(3) status. Besides the ability to accept tax-deductible donations, they provide supportive services such as organizational compliance, accounting, insurance coverage, and payroll services, as well as community support and education. https://www.mockingbirdincubator.org/fiscal-sponsorship
- GoodCities provides customized service for nonprofits that dramatically accelerate collaborative work with faith-based and community partnerships. https://goodcities.net/about/
Books
- Kingdom Collaborators: Eight Signature Practices of Leaders Who Turn the World Upside Down by Reggie McNeal
Download Samples
Neighborhood Connections – A guidebook written by Susan Hewitt
4 Collaboration summary handouts by Reggie McNeal –
We’d love to hear from you!
This website's strength lies in its curator's commitment to gathering user feedback. We value the reader’s perspective to enhance content quality. Please share suggestions or questions via the contact form.
Understand the Terrain Challenges
Planning
The initial step for both the board of directors and the executive director is to meticulously document the organization's mission, vision, and values...
Read More
Determine NPs Core Features
Determine NPs Core Features
Collaboration & Strategic Alliances
Before launching a new nonprofit, the founder should research other organizations doing similar work, to determine if you can join them...
Read MoreCollaboration & Strategic Alliances
Collaboration & Strategic Alliances
Program Development & Impact Evaluation
Take the time now to do some research, develop your logic model, and identify your evaluation methods. It will ensure that you’re delivering services...
Read MoreProgram Dev & Impact Evaluation
Program Dev & Impact Evaluation
Accounting and Finance
Accurate financial statements are the bedrock of informed financial decision-making. When donors entrust your organization with a donation...
Read MoreAccounting & Finance
Accounting & Finance
.svg)
