I recently wrote about my experience contracting with non-profits and the importance of the human capital investment non-profits must make. I want to continue on another theme that reoccurs often-partnerships and/or the failure thereof.
Non-profits are often competing against each other for the same philanthropic dollar or government grant so rivalries develop. But far more often, I find that the devotion that brought staff to a non-profit also seduces them into believing their way is the only way. I've seen great partnerships break-down over questions of case management, assessments, etc. I have one thing to say about that--get over yourself! The person you are helping more often than not will need more resources than you have, so partner with the other resources in your community that can help them. If you open yourself up a little, a change in viewpoint can often be enlightening.
Before you stop partnering or let differences in approaches stop you from partnering ask yourself if the differences are really that big or is it a question of your ego? I know that's hard because I've had to learn that lesson a few times.
I work with a great, well-meaning and sincere group that provides services to women. They have managed to anger most everybody they've ever worked with because of their no "compromise, its their way or no way" attitude. They are even proud of it! That kind of thinking is not going to work in the new world we're all living in now.
As I mentioned in my other post, I work in government and there's a definite trend toward requiring partnerships for government grants. I think it's high time. PARTNERSHIPS MAXIMIZE RESOURCES.
A great consultant that helped us set up youth partnerships gave this example. If your organization spends $3500 to outreach a target group of youth that another youth organization already attracts and your organization provides services that the other youth organization needs, then it makes sense to partner for referrals. Then there is $3500 you can put toward the services both your organization's value. There will be trial and error but it's worth it.
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