Collaborating to achieve more

Many not-for-profit organisations (NFPs), especially small ones, are struggling with similar issues. Following a brief catch up with Kurt Jones of Co-Exist Australia today, we discovered that both Co-Exist Australia and Hinterland Bush Links , which I manage, both experience similar challenges. NFPs all have a specific purpose; funds and resources are channeled to achieving that purpose. Often that means that on-ground outcomes have to be prioritised over other organisational aspirations.

Small or emerging NFPs, along with small businesses, don't always have the infrastructure that larger organisations have, which can lead to an over reliance on employee resources. Two things we discussed today was storage space and office space. I know of many small NFPs who don't have an office, where employees work from home. In our increasingly online world, much work can easily be done from home, but the merits of collaborative face to face working mustn't be disregarded. Arguably, working from home has the perks of flexibility and can be particularly conducive for introverts to focus on their work. However, the benefits of working with colleagues to plan and work together in the same room, should not be diminished. Conversely, simply being in a space with others who working independently can sometimes be uplifting and energising.

Another way that small or emerging NFPs can depend on their employees' resources is through storage space, with employees often filling their cupboards and garages with paraphernalia for their organisation. This may include work documentation, marketing and promotional material, for those who run events, through to technical equipment and larger items. In this way, the organisation having no fixed abode starts to impact on employees' lives outside of work (and those they live with).

So, more than just being a rant on some of the challenges organisations like ours face, what are the options to resolve some of these issues?

Collaboration is paramount

Talking to other NFPs who work for a similar purpose or in the same geographic region can be useful to learn what issues organisations have in common. Perhaps there is an opportunity for multiple organisations to pool resources to create an outcome that would benefit them all. Maybe one organisation can assist with helping resolve another organisation's lack of a particular resource and vice versa. There is much potential to utilise each NFP's strengths to help others out.

Connect with more established or larger organisations

It's useful to connect with more established or larger organisations, including for-profit businesses. Established businesses may be able to dedicate resources or funding to help alleviate the pain point of an NFP. This may be through an immediate donation, professional advice or sharing resources with the NFP.

Prioritise issues

Prioritise which issues are the most important to address to further your cause. Most NFP managers have a list as long as your arm of niggly challenges they would like to resolve to make the organisation run more efficiently and therefore improve outcomes. However, it's crucial to focus on those which will help relieve the most pressure or create the most benefit for your organisation.

Conclusion - how can we achieve more together?

Overall, I believe that working together, networking and talking with others about solutions will help make working in the NFP sector more enjoyable and less burdonsome on employees. Moreover, it will also support NFPs to achieve more and better outcomes for the community and the environment.