Funders Driving Collaboration?

Completing the Yankey & Willen reading this week raised one key concern for me, that organizations would “collaborate” simply to obtain the funding available to those willing to do so. My concern is that partnerships that are not, at least partially, “organic” will have limited success. It reminds me of groups we are placed in for class; sometimes, I think I would gain a great deal more if I could chose my partners or perhaps work by myself. Last semester, I had the opportunity to work with Zhanna. It was the sort of “organic” partnership I was addressing above. I took a great deal more away from that project than I would have if I had been placed in a group chosen by a professor (not that I haven’t taken a great deal away from my other groups, particularly when I’ve worked with my wonderful partners/friends from this class!!!)

In PAFF 520, we read Collaborating Across Boundaries (Linden, 2010). The author stated that one of the most important attributes of a collaborative leader is bringing the right people to the table. I hope that the organizations that are applying for the funding addressed in the reading are able to use this approach, to honestly select partners that will help them advance their mission and have a social impact. These are key elements of success that are discussed in depth later in the reading but not in relation to funding as a driving force.

I don’t want to appear as though I do not support collaboration or the encouragement of collaboration by funders. What I hope is that the approach is building stronger organizations rather than artificial facades. Perhaps, I am looking too deeply into the reading. Was anyone else concerned by this aspect of the reading?