Better Together: Why Nonprofits Shouldn't Go it Alone

Earlier this year, Sharon, Amy, and I had the honor of presenting at a conference on the value of partnerships in the nonprofit sector. The concept of partnership pops up a lot - and we all like to say we leverage partnerships to achieve our missions.

But what does it really mean to build a strong partnership?

Like it or not, in a challenging fundraising environment, partnerships are now more important than ever. Our ability to work together and share resources can help us stand out above other organizations, particularly in the hyper-competitive world of grant funding.

Finding good partners and building healthy collaborations is the secret sauce for funding success in a tough fundraising environment. Here are some of the reasons why partnerships are a vital component of your fundraising efforts moving into 2026:

1. Funders Want Systems Change, Not One-Off Success Stories

Gone are the days when a well-written grant about one organization’s impact was enough. More and more funders — from private foundations to corporate social responsibility programs — want to invest in systems change.

That means addressing root causes instead of symptoms, and doing so at a scale that no single organization can reach alone.

When a proposal includes multiple partners, each bringing a unique strength or constituency, it signals that the work is collaborative, strategic, and community-centered. Funders want to see that their investment will ripple through an ecosystem, not stop at one organization’s doorstep.

2. Collaboration Shows Maturity and Shared Leadership

The best collaborations aren’t about who gets credit; they’re about who gets served.

When nonprofits partner well, they show a deep understanding that success depends on shared leadership and shared outcomes. They demonstrate confidence in their own expertise and humility in recognizing others’.

If your organization is used to being “the” leader, this shift can feel uncomfortable. But funders see collaboration as a sign of organizational maturity — proof that you’re focused on impact, not ego.

3. The Right Partners Strengthen Your Grant Story

A powerful collaboration tells a complete story:

One organization might bring data or research expertise.

Another might have deep grassroots relationships.

A third might have the communications infrastructure to amplify the message.

When these strengths align, your proposal becomes stronger and more credible. Funders see that the plan is comprehensive; that every angle, from policy to community engagement, has been considered.

4. Collaboration Builds Sustainability

Even in a tight funding environment, collaborations can unlock resources that wouldn’t be accessible to one organization on its own. Joint applications can open the door to larger, multi-year grants.

But beyond the dollars, collaboration also builds resilience. When multiple organizations share data, audiences, and expertise, they can weather setbacks more effectively. The work becomes less fragile and more likely to outlast any single leader or funding cycle.

5. It Starts With Trust

True collaboration takes time. It starts long before the grant proposal, with coffee meetings, shared planning sessions, and honest conversations about capacity and goals.

If you’re thinking about collaborative funding, start small. Identify one or two organizations that share your mission and values. Pilot a small project together, or co-host a community event. Build trust before chasing a big grant together.

And when you do apply for collaborative funding, be transparent with each other about budgets, responsibilities, and communications. The best partnerships thrive on trust, not transaction.

Our Organizations are Better Together

The future of fundraising isn’t always about who can write the most persuasive proposal — it’s about who can build the strongest community.

As funders continue to look for synergy and collective impact, nonprofits that embrace collaboration will stand out as innovators and leaders.

We’re stronger when we share data, align messaging, and approach funders as partners in a shared cause, not competitors in a zero-sum game.

If you’re ready to explore collaborative funding opportunities or need help positioning your organization as a strategic partner, Team Kat & Mouse can help.

We’ve worked with clients across the country to design joint grant strategies, facilitate partnerships, and craft proposals that resonate with today’s funders.

Because in this new era of philanthropy, no one wins alone.