Thank you for joining us!
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Session Follow-Up
Together on Purpose: Exploring the Spectrum of Nonprofit Collaboration
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Thank you for spending your morning with us for the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines' nonprofit training session, Together On Purpose: Exploring the Spectrum of Nonprofit Collaboration. We’re grateful to the nonprofit leaders, board members and partners who showed up ready to think boldly about what collaboration can look like in this moment of change.
This session came together through a truly collaborative effort among the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Iowa Nonprofit Alliance and the Larned A. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center — and we were thrilled to learn alongside each of you.
A huge thank-you again to our speakers:
You can view a recording of the session here. Below is a brief recap of the key themes we explored, along with links to articles and resources referenced throughout the morning.
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Themes from the conversation with Anne Wallestad |
The moment we’re in:
Nonprofits are navigating rising community needs, policy shifts and rapid change. That environment is creating both pressure and opportunity — a chance to think differently about how we show up for our missions and for one another.
Purpose before organization:
Anne reminded us that boards and executives often limit their own potential when they focus on organizational preservation instead of purpose stewardship. True collaboration begins with clarity about why your mission exists and what’s possible if you center that purpose over structure.
Collaboration-ready leadership behaviors:
Humility. Curiosity. Trust. A willingness to let go of control. Strategic rigor paired with flexibility. These aren’t just “nice to haves” — they’re capacities leaders can intentionally build.
Motivation matters:
The most durable collaborations are anchored in a clear, shared reason to partner — not funder pressure or a last-ditch “hail Mary.” Leaders must believe something different might be possible and stay open to exploration.
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Partnership in Action
Lessons from the trenches with Canary Consulting Group |
Slides presented by Canary Consulting Group are available here.
Canary Consulting Group highlighted the full spectrum — from informal cooperation to shared staffing to administrative consolidation all the way to merger. The right fit depends on your goals, your readiness and your “why.”
What it takes to be ready:
– Know your purpose for exploring collaboration
– Prepare your board and staff for the journey
– Find partners you trust
– Set realistic expectations (savings aren’t guaranteed; impact often is)
– Build a small, empowered exploratory team
– If it’s not a “yes” from everyone, it’s a no — and that’s okay
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Trust and transparency are non-negotiable. A successful partnership requires putting mission before organization, making decisions together and committing to the long game — because “the finish line is the starting line.”
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Resources Mentioned During the Session
On collaboration, governance, and purpose-driven leadership:
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If you have additional questions, want to explore collaboration readiness within your organization or would like to be connected with any of today’s speakers, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help support your next step — wherever you are on the spectrum.
Thank you again for your engagement, energy and commitment to strengthening Iowa’s nonprofit ecosystem. We look forward to continuing this work with you.
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GIVEdsm
For years, GIVEdsm has been embraced by both local nonprofits and our community members as the go-to place to learn about pressing needs and promising opportunities right here in Greater Des Moines. Charitable nonprofit organizations with a project in Greater Des Moines can create a profile in GIVEdsm, and the community can sort these opportunities by areas of interest, type of project or directly search for a specific nonprofit. Get started today at GIVEdsm.org.
Upcoming Opportunities
We host regular professional development and training opportunities on a wide variety of relevant topics. Keep an eye on our events page throughout the year for opportunities to join.
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