In many cities and towns, numerous groups are focused on similar causes — and competing for the same types of donors, notes Arlene Spencer, a grant-proposal writer, on her blog Seeking Grant Money Today.

But Ms. Spencer says that charities should stop worrying about the competition and instead spell out clearly for donors why each organization exists.

“If two similar nonprofits (or more) exist in a single community,” she writes,“chances are that while they may work on the same cause (or issue), they are likely working on different aspects of the issue, or doing similar work for different populations effected by the cause, etc. The key in similar organization being near one another are their differences.”

Ms. Spencer also advises collaborating instead of competing.

“Many funders, today, (including grant donors, in particular) like to see nonprofits collaborate,” she writes. “Why? It lessens the likelihood that nonprofits will redo each other’s work. More progress to the end goal can be made, and quicker.”

What do you think? Can groups with a similar mission in the same community coexist peacefully or even benefit from their commonality? Has your group been able to collaborate successfully in this way?