Cooperation is a trend

Crutchfield and Mcleod Grant (2007) are saying “great non-profits collaborate rather than compete with their social sector peers” (p. 126). Why cooperation is a “trend”? European Commission’s call for proposals requires the applicant non-profit organization in developing country to have at least three types of cooperation within their proposed project: partnership with another local non-profit(s) on project implementation level who will share the grant with the applicant organization, cooperation with associate partner(s) who will ensure some in-kind contribution like space, vehicle, consultancy and the last required cooperation is the co-funding organization that will cover some percentage of the project cost.
Donors are usually encouraging cooperation. Why is it so?

1. Working in networks contributes in the development of the culture of accountability. If you have partners in the project the level of transparency, trust and accountability to each other should be very high as successful cooperation contributes in the successful project implementation.
2. Working in networks helps smaller non-profits to develop their skills and become more professional. If there will be many strong non-profits it will contribute in the strengthening of the third (civil society) sector.
3. Working in partnership is much more cost effective. Many of big and very professional non- profit organizations are institutionalized which means they work like a very professional agencies and the operation costs and salary standards are definitely higher. When big organization has a small local non-profit partner, that organization can do the same quality work with much more smaller budget.
4. The involvement of associate partners that contribute space, methodology or transportation is also decreasing the project cost.

What do you think why else non-profits should seek cooperation?