Is Competitiveness and Branding Killing Collaborative Spirit?

Collaboration among nonprofits requires thinking outside of the box, stretching the comfort zone of self-preservation, and focusing resources on the social needs that we are founded to serve.

To collaborate effectively we need to check our egos at the door and accept the notion of working together for the greater good. With more than 1.6 million charities operating in the United States there is a tremendous redundancy and wastefulness in serving society. Staying competitive for a slice of the donation pie and establishing unique brand identity to stand apart have all but destroyed our charitable calling.

To create greater and lasting impact we must work together and share our strengths and resources. In doing charitable work, it is not about “us,” it is about the needs we serve.

At my organization, we also advocate collaborative efforts among donors—especially corporate donors. This October we are bringing together corporate donors to share their best practices and innovative ideas in product philanthropy—probably the first event of its kind in corporate giving history. Besides sharing, we also are bringing these donors to the table to discuss the potential for collaboration in addressing today most urgent social needs.

Many of our donors are committed to helping at-risk children, improving education and many other important causes. Instead of a fragmented approach to these most challenging issues, we invite each to explore opportunities to partner with nonprofit organizations and other corporations.

Being socially responsible is measured by the real impact that one creates. We can multiply the impact of our work if we learn to work together.