Unlocking the Power of Sustained Collaboration: A Guide for Nonprofits 

United Way of Greater Los Angeles is committed to strengthening community impact by providing nonprofit partners with the tools, relationships, and strategies they need to navigate change and emerge stronger. As nonprofits face increasing financial pressure, workforce challenges, and growing community need, United Way works alongside organizations to identify innovative pathways forward—supporting collaboration, adaptation, and long-term sustainability. By bringing partners together and aligning resources with trusted initiatives like the Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) and United Way, we help nonprofits explore collaborative solutions that preserve essential services, honor community voice, and build resilience. 

In an ever-evolving nonprofit landscape, the ability to adapt, respond to change, and build resilience is essential. Sustained collaboration has emerged as a powerful strategy for nonprofits seeking to strengthen their organizations, increase impact, and navigate periods of uncertainty. NSI helps nonprofits explore and implement collaborative approaches beyond traditional partnerships so that organizations can thrive together with shared purpose. 

This guide highlights the principles of sustained collaboration, real-world examples, common challenges, and the resources NSI offers to support nonprofits on their collaboration journey. 

What Is Sustained Collaboration? 

Sustained collaboration is a strategic partnership between nonprofit organizations that goes beyond traditional mergers or informal cooperation. It includes a range of formal arrangements designed to address shared challenges while preserving mission alignment and community impact. 

Forms of sustained collaboration may include: 

• Co-location and shared infrastructure 

• Asset or program transfers 

• Formalized alliances or networks 

These approaches are often pursued in response to common organizational challenges, such as: 

• Executive or leadership transitions 

• Increased demand for services 

• Loss or anticipated loss of major revenue streams 

• Policy changes affecting operations or programming 

• A desire to grow, stabilize, or achieve economies of scale 

By pooling resources, expertise, and systems, nonprofits can improve efficiency, strengthen resiliency, and extend their reach. 

Examples of Sustained Collaboration 

1. Co-Location: Community Food Hub Model 

Challenge 

• Traditional food pantry models were no longer effective

• One organization urgently needed a new space 

• Smaller organizations required large facilities with cold storage and truck access

Collaborative Solution 

Four nonprofit entities entered into a shared services agreement to create a nonprofit food hub. Through co-location, they reduced costs, coordinated supply chains, and complied with new food safety regulations while improving service delivery. 

2. Asset and Program Transfer 

Challenge 

• Organization A faced long-term sustainability challenges and a retiring founder 

• Organization B sought to expand services and address unmet community needs 

Collaborative Solution 

An asset transfer agreement allowed Organization A to transfer program design, curriculum, and culturally competent talent to Organization B. This enabled Organization B to scale the program, protect community knowledge, and invest in expanded services. 

3. Formalizing an Alliance 

Challenge 

• Informal alliances were difficult to sustain due to limited capacity 

• Growing advocacy needs coincided with declining resources 

Collaborative Solution 

Peer organizations created a backbone organization with independent fiscal sponsorship, staffing, funding streams, membership criteria, and governance structures. This formalized alliance strengthened collective advocacy and long-term sustainability. 

Defining Success in Sustained Collaboration 

NSI emphasizes that success is not limited to the completion of a formal agreement. Nearly all grantee partners report value from the collaboration process itself, regardless of the final structure. 

Common Positive Outcomes Include: 

Integrated Organizations 

• Program Growth: Asian Youth Center expanded services from 200 families in 4 schools to 2,000 families in 12 schools after acquiring the Youth and Parent Leadership Program. 

• New Funding: Rebuilding Exchange secured more than $1 million in state workforce grants within one year of merging. 

• Increased Access: Outreach House consolidated services into one location, resulting in a 73% increase in service visits. 

Shared Programs and Services 

• Greater Efficiency: Early Childhood and After School Time Staffing improved staff retention from 50% to 76% and facilitated 85 staff placements across member organizations. 

• Program Impact: Arts Access, a collaboration between KERA and The Dallas Morning News, engaged 59,000 digital visitors in summer 2023. 

Alliances and Networks 

• Improved Quality: DVBeds strengthened shelter placement processes for domestic violence survivors, with over 50,000 annual logins from partner organizations. 

• Policy Wins: Philanthropy California helped establish a new philanthropy liaison role in the governor’s office. 

• Quality Improvement: Plunum Health enhanced telehealth compliance and implemented AI-supported case management. 

Barriers to Collaboration 

Despite its benefits, sustained collaboration can be challenging. Common barriers include: 

• Difficulty identifying compatible partners 

• Limited time for due diligence and negotiation 

• Challenges engaging staff, boards, and other stakeholders 

• Conflicts between strong leadership personalities 

• Achieving alignment, trust, and shared decision-making 

• Balancing mission priorities with organizational preservation 

• Fear of loss, including jobs, community trust, brand identity, or cultural specificity 

Acknowledging these barriers early can help organizations plan more effectively and engage the right supports. 

How NSI Supports Nonprofits 

NSI provides funding, guidance, and technical assistance to help nonprofits explore and implement sustained collaboration. 

Grant Opportunities 

• Exploratory Grants ($20,000–$40,000): Support neutral facilitation, legal and financial assessments, and leadership convenings. 

• Planning Grants ($10,000–$30,000): Fund extended negotiations, due diligence, and cultural integration planning. 

• Implementation Grants ($20,000–$50,000): Cover legal, accounting, and technical assistance costs, infrastructure integration, change management, and stakeholder engagement. 

Technical Resources and Assistance 

• Direct access to NSI staff and vetted consultants 

• Public Counsel legal services 

• Collaboration roadmaps and tools 

• Peer facilitator cohorts 

• Video libraries, workshops, case studies, and reports 

Conclusion 

United Way remains committed to standing alongside nonprofit partners as they navigate complexity, disruption, and opportunity. By championing sustained collaboration and investing in innovative pathways forward, United Way helps organizations adapt, strengthen their impact, and continue delivering vital services that support thriving communities.