Vermont Nonprofit Collaboration
Vermont nonprofits are stronger together.
"Collaboration
isn't optional
anymore."
Vermont's nonprofit sector faces growing demand with constrained resources. Organizations that share services, coordinate programs, and build formal partnerships are finding new capacity — and new impact.
CoLab VT exists to make that path clearer and more accessible for every Vermont nonprofit.
What We Do
Practical support at every stage of collaboration
Collaboration Exploration
Not sure if collaboration is right for your organization? We help you assess readiness, understand the landscape of options, and explore what collaboration could look like — before you commit to anything.
- Readiness assessments
- Landscape mapping
- Peer learning cohorts
"We didn't know where to start. CoLab VT helped us see what was actually possible."
Many Vermont nonprofits are curious about collaboration but uncertain about the first step. Our exploration resources and facilitated conversations create a low-stakes space to learn and ask questions.
Collaboration Navigation
Once you're ready to move forward, we provide frameworks, facilitation, and guidance to help you structure a partnership that works — with clear roles, shared expectations, and a path forward.
- Partnership frameworks
- MOU templates & guidance
- Facilitated negotiations
Building collaborations that hold up — and grow stronger over time.
Collaborations fail when trust doesn't exist, purposes aren't aligned, frameworks fall short. We help organizations have the hard conversations early, document agreements clearly, and build the relational foundation and learning framework that makes collaboration sustainable.
Shared Services
From shared HR and finance functions to co-located facilities and joint programs, we help nonprofits identify and implement shared service arrangements that reduce costs and increase capacity.
- Shared service models
- Cost-benefit analysis tools
- Implementation support
Do more with what you have — by sharing resources, capacities, and initiatives.
Shared services aren't just about cutting costs. They're about freeing up staff time, reducing administrative burden, and letting your team focus on mission-critical work. We help you find the right model for your situation.
Why Collaborate?
The case for working together in Vermont
of VT nonprofits see the benefits of collaborating, but only 42% have explored it
of nonprofits say they have no excess capacity and need to find ways to fill capacity gaps
VT nonprofits called for the resources CoLab makes accessible
"Collaboration isn't about giving up your identity. It's about gaining capacity."
Vermont's nonprofit leaders are discovering that working together doesn't mean losing what makes their organization unique. It means having more resources to deliver on your mission.
From CoLab VT's 2025 Surveys and Sector Listening
Resources
Practical tools for your collaboration journey
Vermont Nonprofit Collaboration Typologies
A structured framework mapping the distinct types of nonprofit collaboration active in Vermont — from peer networks and coalitions to shared services arrangements and formal mergers.
Shared Services Starter Kit
Everything you need to explore shared services with another organization — including a readiness checklist, sample MOU language, cost-sharing formulas, and a step-by-step implementation guide.
Get Started
Ready to explore what collaboration could mean for your organization?
Whether you're just beginning to think about collaboration or you're ready to take concrete steps, CoLab VT is here to help. Start with our resources, connect with peers, or reach out directly.
Explore Resources
Guides, toolkits, and frameworks
Connect with Others
Coming SoonFind Vermont nonprofits on a similar path
Attend an Event
Workshops, convenings, and learning sessions