October 22, 2013
Around the country, nonprofits are finding that working together and pooling resources can help keep the doors open during lean times and create an exchange of valuable ideas. Alliances can be based on geographic location and common goals or needs.
The National Council of Nonprofits supports exploring the option of strategic alliances, but also warns organizations to remain conscious of potential drawbacks and risks. Organizations need to make sure they don't put their tax exempt status in jeopardy by joining too closely with for-profits or by drastically changing funding with private benefit transactions. Even in the most basic of alliances, the council recommends drawing up a letter of agreement outlining the expectations and responsibilities of the alliance.
Theaters share resources in Harrisburg
In Pennsylvania, a number of theaters are working to market each other's work and come up with creative ideas for increasing attendance and programs, according to Nonprofit Quarterly. The Harrisburg Area Theatre Alliance is group of actors, producers and directors promoting the area's mix of theaters.
The groups will share production resources such as props and customers, and work together on marketing and educational campaigns. The effort reduces costs and increases awareness of community, professional and campus theater in the central part of the state.
"We should all be helping each other to stay open," Brenda Eppley, one of the founding members told NPQ. "It benefits all of us. No one is going to lose their autonomy by joining this alliance."
Statewide alliances for nonprofit awareness
The Alliance for Nevada Nonprofits connects nonprofits throughout the state to help keep them up to date on legislative issues and nonprofit sector news. The alliance provides relevant information to its members and seeks to strengthen the nonprofit presence in Nevada.
Under the umbrella of the larger National Council of Nonprofits, many states have similar alliances or organizations aimed at increasing the success and impact of local nonprofits.
Other alliances exist to specifically help organizations with similar affiliations, such as education, health care and the arts. These groups help each other in many different ways but mainly through the sharing of pertinent information.
Savings on Unemployment Insurance
Nonprofits can also benefit from collaborations such as First Nonprofit's Unemployment Savings Program. The partnership includes over 1,000 nonprofits that have taken advantage of a unique UI savings program. With First Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations can opt out of State UI tax pools and utilize an alternative funding option through private insurance. The option is not available to for-profit entities and is just one of many cost-saving alliances that nonprofits have access to.
Nonprofits can find information about alliances in their area by visiting the National Council of Nonprofits, or create their own by starting roundtable discussions with area organizations. Nonprofits that take advantage of collaborative efforts and alliances reduce financial strain and have greater access to resources and information related to the nonprofit sector.
For information on how your organization can cost-effectively meet its unemployment insurance needs, contact First Nonprofit Companies at FNCUI@firstnonprofit.com or visit www.firstnonprofitcompanies.com.
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First Nonprofit has saved us so much money over the state’s program. We had one little glitch with the state recently and we contacted FNP immediately. FNP staff called us back immediately and moved to remedy the problem.
First Nonprofit has been a great partner. They have helped us saved hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have awesome resources for our nonprofit organization. Thanks for the partnership.
Life is certainly busy these days but having business partners like First Nonprofit has made some of the process hassle free. We have worked with this team for years. When we changed payroll systems, they outlined every step. I think this team is terrific and I know they get the job done! Thank you, Cruz, to all the team at FNP.
FNP has helped our agency to save thousands of dollars every year on our unemployment coverage. The service is phenomenal, and we are thankful to their team as our partner. My experience working with Marshall on the advocacy around UE for nonprofits was also a highlight as someone who teaches advocacy and lobbying for nonprofits. Really, your whole team is top shelf, so thank YOU!
Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.
FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.
When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.
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