Tip of the Month: Partnerships & Collaboration

1 minute read
Green and teal graphic with lightbulb icon. Text reads Tip of the Month: Partnerships & Collaboration. Know the difference and why we need both.

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that nonprofits are resilient, creative, and downright scrappy when they need to be. (We see you turning a $500 grant into a full-blown community program with snacks, swag, and a newsletter!) But with the political and funding landscape shifting, it’s time to double down on a strategy that’s always in style: working together.

We throw around the words partnership and collaboration a lot, but they’re not exactly the same thing. Does it matter, you ask – YES!!

So, What’s the Difference?

  • Partnership is like getting into a committed relationship. You set goals, sign agreements, share resources, and hold each other accountable. (Bonus points if you remember each other’s birthdays and funder deadlines.)
  • Collaboration is more like a great first date – or several. You might work together on an event, share ideas, or support each other informally. It’s flexible, fun, and may or may not lead to something more serious.

Both are good. Both are necessary. One might involve a shared bank account (hello, joint grant!), the other might just be borrowing chairs for your pop-up community event.

Why We Need Both – Especially Now

In uncertain times, partnerships give us structure and strength. Collaborations keep us nimble and creative. Together, they help us:

  • Stretch our resources (and our sanity)
  • Amplify our voices on issues that matter
  • And most importantly, show up better for our communities

So this month, think about who you can partner with for long-term impact, and who you can collaborate with to spark new ideas, share space, or just survive another grant cycle with a little more laughter.

Remember: You don’t have to do it alone. Teamwork might not make the paperwork go away, but it sure makes it easier.

Helpful Resources & Tools:

Principles and Practices
Partnerships & Collaboration
For Members
Check out all of our Partnerships & Collaboration
resources in the Resource Library