Nonprofit collaboration

Abstract

Collaboration is one methodology utilized by nonprofits as they seek to cope with a complex, challenging and changing world. This article presents a clear definition of "collaboration" and provides a framework for understanding this form of organizational behavior. Drawing on a literature review and the knowledge of hands-on experience, benchmarks are offered for potential participants to consider in establishing, maintaining and evaluating collaborative efforts among nonprofits. The premises and characteristics of successfully engineereed collaborations are probed, as well as the motivations for utilizing this methodology. The reflections and theoretical material presented will be of particular interest to those working in the field of organization development who may increasingly be asked to work with collaborative efforts. This framework offers practical advice for practitioners and researchers required to assess, facilitate and/or organize such initiatives.