Competitor or Ally? The Strategic Partner Your Nonprofit Is Missing

We often hear of “competition” between organizations fighting for the same cause. Some lament the number of “competitors” seeking cures, treatments or programs to remedy the same ailment or condition. This notion, that sharing a vision for the future means competing for resources, must be dispelled. In order to flourish, like-minded organizations must support one another, learn from one another’s successes and failures, and find creative ways to push the innovation envelope.

But what does this look like in practice?

During a meeting with senior-level nonprofit executives earlier this year, a discussion emerged between representatives from the two largest organizations in the group, both of which served the same cause.