As the nonprofit sector evolves, collaboration across all sectors is crucial for the future of the nonprofit sector. New systems and strategies must be developed to address the issues that we face, and nonprofits working together is one of the keys to discovering these new solutions.
For 8 years, TSNE ran a Capacity Building Fund to help nonprofit organizations create and nurture space for collective learning. The learning not only bolstered the individual and collective capacity of organizations to do what they do better, but it also advanced knowledge in their fields, as learning partners experimented with new and improved ways of delivering and integrating programs and services.
We believe that as younger leaders comfortable in a networked world rise through organizations, this increased collaboration will also drive a reassessment of how philanthropic dollars are distributed,
Collaboration is challenging. How do you respect the needs and voices of each partner and be aware of their backgrounds?
Our collaborative networks came away with these take-aways:
In a public-private partnership, be aware that each side is coming in with different backgrounds.
The most common differences between the sectors include attitudes and practices around time, money, and process and perceptions about purpose, principles and work ethic. That is why it is important to create a shared vision and a a value system.
Collaboration requires constant attention and deliberate action. The process matters!
Having a regular framework for how decisions are made and tasks are completed is crucial when working with any group of organizations. Assign roles with key functions and set aside time for reflection and sharing.
Relationship building is the crux of your work.
Relationship building is also the key to achieving outcomes, and developing trust is the core piece of collaborative, long-term work.