Q: Over the past year, has your organization been involved in collaborative efforts for any of the following activities? (check all that apply )
The word ‘collaboration’ can be interpreted in several ways. There is a continuum of different collaborative approaches. As groups move along the continuum they must pay attention to activities that build trust amongst the partners.
The Collaboration Spectrum tool helps groups decide where they are on the spectrum of collaboration including current level and idea level.
Most nonprofit organizations engage in some level of partnering with others. These collaborations may not follow strict protocols but are essential for community impact. Around 90% of organizations are interconnected with others – learning about, receiving referrals from, referring to, and promoting services provided by other organizations. About 84% of nonprofits enhance their effectiveness and reach through joint efforts for specific programs or activities. Another 79% of nonprofits come together to discuss community needs, convenings that can help foster collaboration, idea-sharing, and collective problem-solving. Still another 63% report collaborating in some way to obtain funding for programs. More nonprofits partner to advocate on behalf of clients compared to 2018 (62% vs 47%,) which may signal a growing emphasis on client-centered collaboration.
Organizations can also engage with one another to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their programming, reduce expenses, or increase their capacity for facilities and staff. Regional nonprofits engage in these more formalized types of collaboration to a lesser degree, e.g., 50% report collaborating to increase program efficiency or effectiveness, 35% to reduce program expenses. Significant opportunities exist for nonprofits to partner on a more operational level for significant cost savings, to share staff (27%), administrative expenses (19%), reduce administrative expenses, and offer employee benefits (17%).
The 2024 Greater Evansville Nonprofit Survey is a product of Welborn Baptist Foundation
in partnership with Diehl Consulting Group. View the survey methodology.