Looking at the Charity Next Door

August 05, 2008

Looking at the Charity Next Door

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?

— Cassie J. Moore

Comments

I agree with Arlene. I too believe nonprofits and charity organizations benefit when they collaborate. I know that’s very easy for me to say since I don’t work for a nonprofit myself. Nonetheless it’s no secret a paramount concern of donors is how their money is being used; exactly how do they make a difference. This is why I believe collaboration sends the right message to donors. Point out to your donors how this cooperation saves money and means that more donor dollars go directly to the beneficiaries of the missions. How it means you’re doing all you can to keep administrative costs at a minimum. How you’re conducting smart business practices. And how you’re getting the most bang out of donor dollars. Communicate all this very clearly and in a fascinating way with your donors and I believe nonprofits will enjoy greater response and fundraising revenue.

Karen Zapp
http://www.PKscribe.com

— Karen Zapp Aug 6, 03:19 PM #
I would love some advice! I represent a charity that is providing a forum for discussion and eventually customized and convenient access to socially responsible product information. We are Buy It Like You Mean It (http://bilumi.org). Another charity, Citizens Market (http://citizensmarket.org) is providing a similar service and is also based in Boston where we are. We are looking at product supply chains, focusing first on the chocolate industry while they are looking multinationals. We have good relations and our leaders meet regularly.

We could use advice on whether we should be merging fully, fundraising together, sharing technology, or competing.

Thanks!

-clay

— Clay Ward Aug 6, 04:29 PM #
I definitely agree with ms Spencer, because setting up a charity means helping the needy, it sounds good to work as a team, share ideas, knowledge, expertise etc with other charities within the community to help the needy rather
than competing!
— samuel kibuule Aug 12, 11:43 AM #

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