Collaboration allows grantmakers to leverage the contributions of multiple players to make more progress toward shared goals. For grantmakers, working collaboratively means deepening relationships with partners and putting a common vision ahead of individual organizations or agendas. Grantmakers can also effectively support grantee collaboration by funding infrastructure that enables these efforts to thrive, connecting people and groups working in common areas and emphasizing long-term learning and impact over short-term gains.

How do we determine the right role to play in collaboration?
Collaborations — groups of grantmakers, nonprofits and other stakeholders aligning around a shared vision and targeting resources and activities in support of that vision — require partners to play various roles to be successful. Once grantmakers make the decision to work together, the next step is to consider what role(s) we play in the collaboration. This piece outlines a variety of roles grantmakers can play in collaboratives and offers tips for identifying the right role(s) for each organization.

How can we prepare for collaboration?
In recent years there has been an increased call for more collaboration in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. The problems that we seek to address are large and complex, and a go-it-alone mentality will not result in meaningful impact. However, because collaboration is hard and messy, many grantmakers and nonprofits are uncertain about the best way to move forward. The first step is to look inward and ensure that we have the right elements in place to be good partners and collaborators. This piece discusses several steps that grantmakers can take to prepare for any type of collaboration.

What are different ways to collaborate?
In the nonprofit sector there are various forms of collaboration, ranging in formality, actors and purposes. Some of the most common types of collaboration include networks, coalitions, movements, strategic alliances, strategic co-funding, public private partnerships and collective impact initiatives. It can sometimes be difficult to differentiate among them and know which might be the best fit for certain situations. This piece defines these forms and offers guidance for grantmakers on when to use each, along with examples and considerations.

Read the full article about funder collaboration at Grantmakers for Effective Organizations.