Shared Services for Vermont Non Profits

Shared Service Networks or Cooperatives

A Shared Services Network or Cooperative is a community-based partnership model, comprised of organizations working together to share costs and deliver services in a more streamlined, efficient way. Participating in a Network, the organizations become stronger, more financially sound, and better able to serve their mission. Check out a few of these examples around the country:
The Bike Collaborative

The Foraker Group

Innovia Community Management Cooperative

Networks may begin by forming around web-based shared services, offering cost savings on supplies, HR tools, staff training resources, and links to program administration tools. Web-based shared services are often made available on a statewide level, for broad participation.

Intensive shared services involve a deeper collaboration and commitment among Network members, and can include shared staff, back-office services, facilities, equipment and more.

The early childhood world, including Vermont, is finding great savings and opportunities in shared services. Vermont's successful shared services effort for the early childhood field, lead by Vermont Birth to Five, has established a highly useful web-based service and is saving significant time and money for child care providers.

This national website  details some of the shared services efforts in the early childhood sector, which has many parallels to non profits.

Vermont nonprofits are already combining efforts in creative ways and we welcome any news about current thinking, ideas, successes and challenges. Currently, we are surveying Vermont non-profits to get a sense of existing efforts and needs. If you haven't already, please take our survey HERE. And please spread the word. Thank You!