October 3, 2013
There are many benefits for nonprofits that participate in collaborative efforts to achieve their mission. When multiple nonprofits come together – for a single event or continuous program – they can extend their reach, share financial resources and learn from each other. This concept is certainly not a new one, but may be more tempting as nonprofits face funding shortfalls.
The extent to which two or more nonprofits collaborate will vary greatly depending each organization's goals and resources. In some cases, it could be as permanent as a merger or as simple as splitting the rent on a shared space for a fundraiser. The decision to fully merge with another NPO and share a corporate structure should not be taken lightly and may even require an outside consultant, according to Forbes. A merger is more likely when two nonprofits with similar missions are both in dire financial straights or struggling for resources. While mergers provide many benefits beyond budget relief, financial strain is usually the driving force.
Small-scale collaboration
The decision to collaborate and remain separate organizations requires less consideration, as the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. Two organizations serving the same area may have different missions, but share some intersections of programs and services. A nonprofit committed to fighting diabetes and another committed to helping the elderly may both offer free blood glucose tests. Instead of finding different locations and hiring different diagnostic services, the two could easily share costs and resources for a more efficient program. If both organizations have offered free screenings before, they will bring unique experiences to the collaborative effort.
An example of a large collaborative effort with a common goal is the First Nonprofit Unemployment Savings Program. A partnership among over 1,000 nonprofits utilizing an alternative funding option not available to the private, for-profit sector to reduce their unemployment insurance costs. The program allows numerous nonprofits to opt out of the state unemployment tax system without being exposed to the risk and uncertainty of self-insuring and at the same time achieve savings that may be redirected to support their mission and community.
A large number of organizations working together on a single initiative creates a great forum for an exchange of ideas. Nonprofits can evaluate how each achieves its goals when given similar funding and programs in a group initiative. Even in a broader effort, which does not require nonprofits to work directly with one another, organizations should make the effort to communicate.
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We first started using First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program when we were a small startup nonprofit. We didn’t have an HR department and needed expertise in the event that an unemployment claim was made. We knew we were eligible to be a reimbursing employer, but weren’t sure how to navigate that process. They made it easy to set things up, plan for, and then manage claims when they came at a very reasonable cost. The amount of time and stress they’ve saved us dealing with all this has been worth way more than the cost. We’ve now grown to a large nonprofit and do have an HR department but have no plans to stop using their services. I highly recommend them to every nonprofit I come into contact with!
Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.
Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.
It has been our sincere pleasure to maintain a strong, vibrant business partnership with First Nonprofit. We greatly admire their strong industry knowledge, technical expertise, constant professionalism, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. They are always extremely responsive, personable and provide us with the necessary guidance and recommendations on a numerous variety of employment scenarios.
NYCON members who use First Nonprofit’s programs enjoy enduring savings and improved efficiency. Our association knows that success, because from the beginning, we achieved the same great benefits. Great savings, seamless technology, and responsive service. NYCON highly recommends First Nonprofit’s remarkable unemployment solutions.
Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.
Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!
First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.