On Thursday, May 29, nearly 100 nonprofit leaders gathered at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in Homestead for the latest Jefferson Community Collaborative convening. With the theme “Stronger Together: Advancing Shared Capacity Through Nonprofit Networking & Collaboration,” the event focused on a pressing question:
As nonprofits face increasing resource constraints, how can we leverage networks to strengthen our collective capacity?
The meeting was shaped by nonprofit partner feedback and provided an opportunity for participants to make connections while exploring new approaches to shared infrastructure and partnership-driven solutions.
Attendees had the opportunity to dive into one of eight key operational focus areas through facilitated discussions:
- Client Transportation – Exploring ways to get clients to services, programs, and appointments through shared or coordinated systems
- Financial Management – Identifying opportunities for consolidated accounting, payroll, and budgeting support
- Food Distribution – Building strategies around collective sourcing, storage, and delivery of food services
- Grant Writing & Reporting – Discussing shared capacity models for securing and managing grant funding
- Shared HR Support – Centralizing services such as hiring, benefits administration, and compliance
- Shared IT Support – Enhancing tech infrastructure and support for secure and efficient operations
- Shared Office Space – Reducing overhead through co-located workspaces and administrative hubs
- Shared Purchasing – Using group buying power to lower costs on supplies, equipment, and services
These discussions were energizing, solution-focused, and grounded in the belief that nonprofit collaboration is a powerful force for sustainability and growth.
Jefferson Community Directory
Participants were provided instructions on how to update, manage or create their organization’s profile in the Jefferson Community Directory. The Directory is a referral resource for organizations providing services within the Jefferson service area and can help build new relationships and highlight others doing similar work.
Vision Council Recruitment
Leah O’Reilly, Director of Programs for Human Services Center Mon Valley, invited attendees to consider applying to become a Vision Council Member. The Vision Council is a leadership group that provides consultation on the Foundation’s three strategic pillars: convening, community-driven data, and grantmaking. Applications will be accepted through Friday, June 20, 2025. The link to apply is here.
Looking Ahead
This Collaborative meeting reinforced a shared truth across the nonprofit community: collaboration isn’t just a value — it’s a strategy. As organizations continue to face evolving needs and limited resources, these shared capacity models offer promising pathways toward greater impact, efficiency, and sustainability.