In the nonprofit sector, it’s easy to feel like we’re all competing for the same limited resources- grants, donors, visibility, etc. But I’ve learned over more than two decades working in the sector that it’s collaboration, not competition, that strengthens our collective impact.
At Rodman for Kids, we see this every day. We bring nonprofit leaders together not just to share best practices but to lean on one another, lift each other up, and build meaningful relationships across organizations. I’ve watched countless leaders find comfort and inspiration in these relationships, realizing they’re not alone in the challenges they face.
Being a nonprofit leader can be emotionally demanding. The responsibility of supporting staff, boards, and- most importantly- the kids we serve, can weigh on us. That’s why it’s critical to create safe spaces where leaders can be vulnerable and inspired.
Just last week, we hosted a meeting with our Charity Partners and one of our newer leaders said, “I love connecting with the other organizations – it inspires me,” while a veteran commented, “I leave every single meeting with new ideas even though I’ve been involved for years.” They remind me that community and connection are our greatest assets as we navigate our work together.
Let’s continue to build communities where we empower each other to dream bigger and do better—for our organizations and those we impact. 💫