Hear from Our Project Specialist:
Rethinking Collaboration in the Nonprofit Sector
After several years of working in the nonprofit sector, particularly within multicultural and general-purpose organizations, I have observed a growing concern that I believe warrants attention. In some immigrant- and culturally-based nonprofit organizations, there appears to be a shift from collective support towards a more inward-focused, competitive mindset. This mindset is driven by ego, branding, and gatekeeping rather than a genuine commitment to service and community empowerment.
This issue seems less pronounced in broader multicultural or cross-cultural organizations, but it raises several critical questions that we, as a sector, need to examine:
What is the primary mission of our organization? Is it to uplift, support, and empower our communities, or is it to elevate the organization itself or even individual reputations?
Are we building bridges with other organizations, or are we creating unnecessary barriers?
Do we genuinely prioritize the well-being of the wider community, or are we more focused on being “the best,” even if it means undermining others or excluding their contributions?
How can we collaborate more effectively, recognizing the unique strengths and resources each organization brings?
Every nonprofit organization offers something of value. Some have the time to dedicate, others possess the financial resources, while some have passionate volunteers or specialized expertise in outreach and media. True collaboration does not require equal contributions in terms of quantity, but it does require openness, flexibility, and mutual recognition of one another’s resources.
Of course, each nonprofit organization has the right to advocate for its own work and ensure that its impact is recognized. However, when ego takes precedence over meaningful change, we risk losing sight of the larger objective — which is to uplift and empower the communities we serve.
It is now time to initiate this important conversation, not with blame, but with curiosity and honesty. It is time to transition from competition to cooperation, from ego to service, and from isolation to solidarity.