Collaboration is simply working together to achieve shared goals — and when it goes well, we get a lot more done. As anyone with much experience protecting land knows, productive collaborations with the right partners can significantly expand the range of what's possible. Collaboration allows each organization to play to its strengths, while gaining from the strengths of others.
Increase capacity: You might gain access to professional skills you don't have in-house.
Gain local credibility: Your partner may have strong connections in the community.
Take on more ambitious goals: When multiple groups join forces, you can think bigger.
Get grant funding: Many agencies and foundations prefer to fund joint efforts.
Networking: Have conversations and learn what other groups are working on. What drives them? Do you share values or goals? How can your work complement theirs?
Shared trainings: Build capacity while splitting the costs.
Shared programs: Team up to save a special place, launch a new initiative, or share the responsibilities of stewardship.
Land trust service centers or coalitions: In many parts of the country, land trusts have formed land trust service centers or coalitions, which offer professional services or other benefits. Find one in your area. Or, if you see a need, consider starting one.
Shared services or staff: Hire professionals to serve more than one organization, through subcontracting or staff sharing.
Merger: A merger can be a good option when multiple groups want to expand their capacity, reduce redundancy, or avoid competing for funds — but it's a serious move that requires reflection and due diligence.
As you talk with people from other organizations, look for partners with strengths that complement yours, who are working toward shared goals, and who you enjoy working with. Clear communication and mutual respect are keys to successful partnerships!
One common scenario is that a large land trust and a small one join forces. Each may bring strengths that the other needs. Often, the larger group will have more funding and professional expertise available, while the smaller group can use its connections to open doors in the local community. Another common scenario is that multiple land trusts linked by geography will find ways to support each other's work. In other cases, land trusts reach out beyond the world of conservation to find goals they share with other groups in their community. These connections can be great starting points for community conservation.
Communicate! Avoiding misunderstanding can save major time and frustration. For more formal collaborations, written agreements are essential. Even in less formal scenarios, it can be helpful to send an email or memo that sums up your plans for working together.
Date before you get serious. If you're considering a major shift like a merger, first work together on a smaller project. See how it goes.
Treat your partners with respect and expect no less.
Case Study: Cardinal Land Conservancy Inc.
In Ohio, three land trusts merged to address staff growth and secure lands in perpetuity. Lesson learned: Mergers are not easy. Expect the unexpected and allow time to deal with challenges as they arise.
Two Colorado land trusts merged to ensure perpetuity, solve financial challenges, deepen public trust and create greater impact. Lesson learned: Take a systematic, phased approach to a merger.
Mergers have become more prevalent within the land trust community in recent years. A new publication from the Land Trust Alliance offers extensive guidance and real case studies.