Cool Collaborations

Collaboration is the name of the game these days. Everyone is talking about it, especially because of the economic forces at work in our region.

In the not-for-profit sector there is a lot of "buzz" about collaboration. It is seen as a way to do more with less, and a way to "leverage" more resources. Private funders (like foundations and United Way) and public funders (like our county and city governments) are pushing collaboration for the same reasons. But it's not that easy to collaborate. There are lots of barriers including the challenges of managing lots of competing interests and how much time it takes to get a partnership right. Each organization's sense of individuality, entrepreneurship and turf can get in the way.

From listening to all the conversation it would be natural to think there's not much collaboration going on. You might be surprised! While there is always room for more partnerships, alliances and collaborations, here are some stories about collaborations that are already happening. These stories involve some partners who are United Way agencies, and some who are not. The stories involve large organizations and small ones. They involve partnerships across sectors. They are stories of creative approaches to difficult challenges and how our not-for-profit organizations are finding truly innovative ways to provide more and better services to their clients and communities who need so much.

Famicos and Beech Brook: Preventing Homelessness

YWCA of Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Housing Network

Visiting Nurse Association and Warren Chaney Furniture

Nueva Luz Resource Center teams up to improve the Latino community

Care Alliance Health Center works with The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
and Cleveland State University's Department of Physical Therapy to provide care

Do you have a great collaboration story to tell? Send us your story and we may include it in a future issue of the Nonprofit Goldmine.

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How I Live United

When we reach out a hand
to one, we influence the
condition of all. That's what
it means to LIVE UNITED.

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LIVE UNITED. How do you get involved? What organizations, causes and communities are close to your heart? How do you "Give. Advocate. Volunteer."?

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Upcoming Events

GuitarMania Kickoff
Join us as we kick off GuitarMania Friday, May 25, at 11:30 a.m. at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum! We unveil the 10-ft. Fender® Stratocaster® guitars designed by local artists and celebrities at this free, public event! Get the details

The Mike Benz Retirement Celebration: A Roast & Toast
Please join us for an evening of laughter and celebration as we honor Mike Benz's service as President and CEO of United Way and his dedication and commitment to our community. Details and ticket order form

RideUNITED
Choose a course, gather sponsors and ride bikes to benefit the Greater Cleveland and Summit County United Way organizations. All rides begin at Cleveland State University Sunday, June 24, 2012. Learn more and register now

Our Mission

United Way of Greater Cleveland is a leader in addressing health and human service needs through convening partnerships, funding programs, generating resources, and advocating for public policy to support our community's priorities.