--- title: The Collaborative Non-Profit Organization description: This resource helps organizations collaborate well with the right partners, making a valuable contribution to them. --- # The Collaborative Organization Free, practical tools designed for non-profit boards and staff leadership to support impactful collaboration. [Explore the Resource Kit](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/the-collaborative-non-profit-organization?hsLang=en#resource) [![Ignite NPS Logo No Text](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Ignite%20NPS%20Logo%20No%20Text.png?width=250&height=141&name=Ignite%20NPS%20Logo%20No%20Text.png "Ignite NPS Logo No Text")](https://ignitenps.com/) [![Tamarack logo narrow black](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Tamarack%20logo%20narrow%20black.png?width=325&height=99&name=Tamarack%20logo%20narrow%20black.png "Tamarack logo narrow black")](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/?hsLang=en) ## Why Collaboration Matters. Advance your organization’s purpose by finding a common cause with others.   Collaboration with other organizations, groups and networks is a critical strategic response to the challenging environment. It leverages resources, strengthens programs and deepens mission impact. The resources help you do it well – so you’re in the right collaborations with the right partners, making a valuable contribution to them, and are a sought-after collaborative partner.   ### To hear more from sector leaders, go to: ### Build Your Organization's Capacity It’s designed to help the board and staff leadership to fulfil oversight responsibilities for their collaborations– from fostering an enabling organizational culture, leadership and capacity to doing the right assessment, risk management and policies.   - You’ll find educational resources, exercises, checklists and reflective questions.    - They address the full range of collaborations, including collective impact initiatives, integrated programming and shared capacity to coordinate activities and joint advocacy.  Grab a tool that meets an immediate need or explore more deeply.     #### Foster an Enabling Culture Schedule a call KNOW MORE Schedule a call Learn about three essential values. Use the checklist to foster them in your organization. [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-187974427232.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKRzD0pmrCy7d7eAJFTxnVgfyQrIVQia51%2BKYQ3P%2FkJ5gEoMPQ2hAuP6nc0osjU87GFQZoiM%2BYIei7RGhPSIf9wIb8UPYoJbTS7Oj%2BlMRiyETGzonEu1aNKXznJmHxqEawYAwyFqJhLXQevBjjG3KsXoYS7056vu818GhNgLZyu35gyk3x%2BU52wiZUg5FcaNW9Cr5aczq2JpjFvk0hECcAwoOngDGVYWNJ6A6M6OmRiE0kRH5%2BvU1Mv1mBTO%2B6cuJf8dbENhxXOu49YqL5wRpZ%2Bggp4tIw3zgLnAwyp7Hy8Yr5kU0gjI3nzyZk%3D&webInteractiveContentId=187974427232&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) Do a short reflection on whether your collaborations are supported by a strong organizational culture.   [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190045031270.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJ%2BgNtrknocFHebxTKTyqOh%2FI8JF7BlCl70dou0OoGlDBkSnCsraksYZ2%2Fhykvec125TnxSamT%2B9gb9CNs09JhD67ImsxDuBozITMKjzB%2Fuy62UqMV0NuCxpUYAeKILtnSWsYuVyoFFlJsycEPDJlvnDEHbPCuV85DPZA5BM%2F%2BWCah6H3rSq1YBWDnJqi8gTT%2Fax9KboB%2BsP%2F16Y38spYoyH7%2FX6p9V78yqNCLuQcWaen7AA21pzcpqLW7c1DhEqU9MynGTzJbuZeZDDcKqpRLu5b2NQP6a%2FPhFMSVN1LnYbY%2BNCedFf3SDx2XuB1FT%2B4zTL26U&webInteractiveContentId=190045031270&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) #### Create a Shared Understanding Schedule a call KNOW MORE Schedule a call Gain a shared organization-wide understanding about the benefits and challenges of collaboration as well as the different kinds, stages and roles. [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190045031272.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJogag0Nk6oJ93W09VSSjKemI79657btEbvppkLjrQhxn5dQulV7h1TWY7gTzJ%2FFBNuU%2FGxgcFM%2B8Vu%2BEaFAsImoiVc3hiD6kRE6A4RRgXzSXNtsY6xvqyq%2BaxWT%2FotFhZJO8H21yjBMMudTwZ%2BzyCnYxtw3uPKWBI3kCZaMxdebNv0W1N4i7%2FIk02kIg91nHVwrkDYXGNaNMjwesrFOVVx6JjEs4Hdf%2FoIlWCqvOLbLbZEzjK2cxhrtmXGu%2B8MUKClZ9pg0hcTc6SvF5i251ZP7VA%2F8F%2BLsj%2FSvzMExq1qSYGs3UcqJ3ZJLSRWX%2BvQhbs%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190045031272&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) Learn about the essential ingredients of successful collaborations so your organization can help build them. [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190045031290.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIuAZkApr8ZaRbD5ofka6pdQgo1zMcWCswT5YNnrIih3Ctf5N4tT0UffdfPNCSCD94n%2BH7RotefAMWEOuwVpGmDN%2BOcTgtpt1TSZGP0N6a6i8C2H87LDktv2LYt5uBiULpy1bBir%2FnTn2%2B7y8wsMVNGDC%2BDaTnN64sotnwPZP6HnyX07wuW8wgq8hM1VbUjz8sMnn%2BWEzXWhwSmG3bH092PShh4LV0pu5Oo95%2BHAtq7dvK51P2LZkWDrRQwqApFitM4mV2oHgO66bhJa2QGQKBrN1%2Fpn2VM%2FHnh%2Blg%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190045031290&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) Map your organization’s external ecosystem as a foundational step to more successful collaboration (includes a template). [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190045031298.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKQCyPwvPrjj4Gudz6BK15oaZRAWzXRmmwweVqKX%2Bp15l3J1VMrDmfj5U%2BpcGdep4noJkcVZlXs8iGG41X3UUL5YavucaWtX4EIJWb6q5ldrb8Flq2ZZ11vHy4BWsLd7W3Bej9MzA72mnZJpiiAn7pC0O1yIRrCmFGQM6y2KLDyrkdh6LI2ppTL6YZZ3eUWlu95hKe4tyJiFLmXetHvb3y4xMYAKU0BNMmt%2FVfn2iCC1PDQd0YqQrBc%2FzgR0XqoHqtiHmNR2bell5fgbPK1pnxAM2PykibYH6Ljd4ebRH1UQlSJh90Uen%2BGTT0lAKw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190045031298&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) #### Assess and Monitor Schedule a call KNOW MORE Schedule a call Find out why the evaluation information is so valuable, its unique challenges and the key questions you should be asking. [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190045031304.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIkyvhmZkGgACloZnt3Ka6sqRG2z%2Bo7t1vjpezBAqnlwVEOZXpOWG2HoX7gBy%2FBvV0YxJJOzcXw6pc8LjFuBa7kZiZhr%2FK4q1pxutT3GNVUuHY02hZYkxQQYb3lXa3Ug5NMK5WPp935gl8722Yz%2Fop0aBeqiDBv3xH202fz4Bel%2BX%2FyxAHKVJMAJSi9egetdpXAt3zkUkHUYYxbQ%2BhB5ZWbiJAm3gQSw%2F8ULdK%2BsM%2B6g2g27sHzRCAgoaQySfsmvpxMty9TEVTk16OoWR8NpLzwW6fPnbgUA610chw%2BriTrS4r%2BjrtrwqoWODdm&webInteractiveContentId=190045031304&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) Use this extensive criteria list to assess whether you are successfully exploring collaboration as well as when to commit, continue and exit. [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190045031318.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKX%2FjnUWGoiZ2fBiW%2BjbLWlN7mHyw%2Bq%2BR1CAcDBgKuDAVjl%2FnCmisMITmlv3%2FTZayIGTuRgwUBpQY5IbPrexDnVvYM%2Fw7GSckaVGPhm8QL7cZAbnnBA0cGz55TfXq60j%2Fw21hLdoWvms6ATgk1SsODYn7dARSx5ia7cMwIcZIc0IQflMHfNqdH6fNxpJj16iEyNNiBDICfoBRNwqHVyC5eHK%2BYUvRaiIahZDAUVZ5bdufMUzl%2FtForurv1xv4%2FipogU3jY75E1LQGk%2BeBHcmBYjhdWmxALtN8IRAloJOP%2Bsqs1bHtv6b6xwrA7AMPnQbHprSkBu3VcRGkyfloT9BgU%2F&webInteractiveContentId=190045031318&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) Learn about how to develop and evaluate a collaboration MOU.  [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190373517080.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIkb1f7Lfrq8b7ey7llq4Jkl7Yu7Ephw0YWvrwaUiomJQgQjACRPvibvk9WUkPZ85kebDQMFbaGU48i%2Fa%2BpCKH7LfooQVZ%2FHG2ZfxO%2FxS2MILGydmQTc3qT5RHLS%2FVqz1GIf%2BXkY69ayPFJeJFo1idiOnKWoZq6kRpw1hIyx3%2BNf%2FgYBG%2FbNBtNQEqUGIXM83DQIP9kR0FDCmjtODPaqI4X88TnIuy7Omv8pJcMhariD3k1OhdEXlJqPiNMOfSHt8a%2B9JL9N1d0KdnARlQ63etLMKVGOsMdq2As1c6qeF%2BB%2Fdu%2Fq%2BFSgWdz&webInteractiveContentId=190373517080&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) #### Support Schedule a call KNOW MORE Schedule a call Learn about the key capacities required to do collaboration well and help nurture them in your organization.  [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190373517092.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLKJR7F7kbSLgyOHxgFh0cdOVJgvjszkBMGIoKVXxeffS2RFDdXREIOmC%2BmkUAWbNwQ9y5xqXI%2FSXhHZD1Tnv%2B7TFDI8p3PsgcALPj5abwxNhZMZ5jJGG5oVd%2F%2ByzBcabes%2BRR4kSojuglAMpHlekWG1t4WibUV4jEbpDMoBx%2BkfOqblTTjc6aYKYMbmosZfnXMPttJubwwQzAlgO1PkMKc%2B%2BHHNZlf6W5dOJg8MgljP%2BmxFEGzqKLm%2FgQg7eu27xlU6oTUwyV9WZGB3saiLtosg3rK0kK%2F4VrTc1pvX41%2B2zYs9Xu11cFNGz4iGUf2sQ74&webInteractiveContentId=190373517092&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) Use this checklist to see if you have the leadership competencies required to collaborate well. Then, celebrate and nurture them. [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190373517106.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK22fVSpIa2KArHwOWvBb2XmFREKonmPzMMXyFUuu3%2FQwamGgBYqv04%2Fn8EgrJOZFd3UcbE8Q7hokpHZFY5OwC5ztxu0WhSlsASXve4I5Ca90vFUr4G4sJ17SJf8gqDgCNi3rRycQez%2Biy2kF6%2F0eVNWrVETaWuDNak2RizAMf8gZteHrQXWAcesjowKiRP75oRuuWXMFB62vWYk5Hl8rvt3NcoYMM%2BrWt%2B003%2FrhVapI3JBD1pxufrXO9GT%2B%2B31Jtp7IgT0vwCfzKZVXOYt16OYBfLpuAEqSTrTkSg%2F%2BXPiB%2Btn85Hf%2F3aYkM%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190373517106&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) Use this checklist to develop or revise your board policy on collaboration. [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190373517110.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLsUCj4daW25NzhPtDVTBjC5sHAybphPRpO0WNVz24c9I92jns0ywkVjLrVzNFmUwLLKSFdj9X9T5iIqHGSrAsKEvNGXrSaC7I70IvcR6A%2BSAfiORTymsq4u5VT4Xw5pQnX%2F4efaooh6BYoS%2BQQ2gI3tNxlf67KNrOTZSbX33QHzh1A7cZcwXIIXj1xGxMWs3oIyKcZAUajsGtOK4eDD8FPnEtWNRSa7eR35sru3vGvc6KGc%2F%2BwJ3dQWxKo14AmE6kecsQm8DbrvBQTEbka5qlBljiqG%2FuXXvTZjnRj%2Fdc%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190373517110&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) Learn about the potential areas of risk and ideas for addressing them. [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190373517115.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIvQ2XGFCFqEkm34B3wiyeoF7FNYghiREPJr98SKiRvjSF2WaQb5dPFnP6f7zTpEcHoowUWVW3a9uXhJHUq8bH1al3osW3160tk2d4XQ7VgyZaz1fAZH3%2BCGonJVhjFfPeb3e%2BBnA%2FWoIfvt8w2ywVflMT%2FhiLcgzeoDm1P0XK30a%2FRt%2F9vWntB3HQM2yNZBBrYko66W9w0bJXFPfNZp3y3MKKWE2W48ClsJUiNB3Zhy98DdZdse8m2zJCitrUD90hdTA%2FTIquOaJ0vcR1gziDYvCz2%2FdBzmOBV&webInteractiveContentId=190373517115&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) Use this checklist to ensure you’re exiting a collaboration well. [![Read more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/316071/interactive-190373517122.png) ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIsgUaCqTMtBwVuqBuUIUkWPBKHkXstnQKNtp%2FITQRQG3PWOJZ7RcJFhxJpPf974VZpLnXw5mAXdRTLBiSTJ4a%2BaC5M44GbOhrqCLQZXreB7bPZqFcvcCZQUAlFSmepcDWyakOVR194RsKO0%2FudamaVWWB%2FJ%2BQwbTnXANvXp3Gv1FI4gHF4t5s4vLMM%2B7KVMCwxtGHbcvEk7qXT6BKon7lOj%2F6dS19YzN7bGjkMY7bt%2FoHh15h4XjhuvUSj6chJzkp%2FzX5EDwGcwSbEJguuVByL6g1rir4lWS4JITkbw54%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190373517122&portalId=316071&hsLang=en) ## Additional Resources #### [Tamarack Institute](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/?hsLang=en) Tamarack’s website contains a wealth of tools and resources about collaboration, community engagement, community innovation, collective leadership and evaluating impact. You can also access progress reports and information about community change efforts across Canada which are focused on ending poverty, building youth futures, climate transitions and building belonging.   #### [Collaboration Coach](http://www.collaborationcoach.ca) The collaboration coach is a web-based resource to improve collaboration outcomes. Key topics explored include understanding collaboration, investing in collaboration, building effective relationships, creating shared governance, setting and monitoring directions and getting the work done.  #### [FITO Network](http://www.fito.network) The FITO Network is a global network of change leaders and practitioners.  Participating in the annual FITO Network Festival is an outstanding opportunity to meet colleagues from across the globe, learn and practice new and emerging engagement strategies and have fun.  If you want to build your global network, the FITO Network is a great starting point.   #### [Board Oversight of Collaboration](https://ignitenps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/CPA-Board-Oversight-NFP-Collaborations-Questions-for-Directors-to-Ask.pdf) This publication describes the key questions the board should ask about the organization’s collaborations - from understanding the benefits and assessing opportunities to overseeing risk and monitoring results. #### [Collective Impact Forum](http://collectiveimpactforum.org) The Collective Impact Forum website contains a wealth of case studies, collective impact tools, opportunities to learn through webinars and podcasts and access to workshops and online learning.  Whether you are new to collective impact or a seasoned practitioner, this website will guide your learning journey.      #### [CoCreative Consulting](http://www.wearecocreative.com) The CoCreative team focuses on systems change through collaborative innovation.  The website contains a tools page for organizations and collaboratives addressing complex challenges.  CoCreative is well known for accessible and informative tools, and the four agendas are an example of an approach that can improve collaborative outcomes.   #### [Imagine Canada](http://imaginecanada.ca/en) Imagine Canada is working with and on behalf of the nonprofit sector in Canada to build a more just and fair society.  The website hosts tools, resources and processes to grow the capacity of nonprofit organizations and collaboratives.  It also provides support to collaboratives seeking funding.   #### [Collaborate CIC (UK)](http://collaboratecic.com) The Collaborate website and team focus on practices which improve collaborative and collective outcomes.  While many of the resources support and encourage the engagement of local government, the resources are also applicable to improving outcomes for place-based or community-based efforts.   #### [Liberating Structures](http://www.liberatingstructures.com) Working collaboratively to address complex community challenges can be daunting.  The Liberating Structures website provides advice and approaches to facilitating conversations and moving groups forward.  There are 33 different tools and techniques as well as detailed facilitation guides for each of these tools.  This is a website not to be missed.   #### [Better Evaluation](https://www.betterevaluation.org/) Better Evaluation is a go-to website resource for evaluation tools, techniques and applications.  The website includes sections to help you get started on your evaluation journey, contains evaluation frameworks and guides, and provides methods, tools and resources to inform your evaluation experience.