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The Power of Collaboration: Key Takeaways from Our Panel on Building a Nonprofit Consortium

The Power of Collaboration: Key Takeaways from Our Panel on Building a Nonprofit Consortium

Chapter Leadership Brief 3.21.25

by Melanie Buhrmaster & Gregory Boroff
Co-Chairs, AFP-NYC Event

In today’s world, where the challenges facing our communities are increasingly complex and interconnected, collaboration in the nonprofit sector is no longer optional—it’s essential. As fundraisers, we know that the scale of issues like food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty requires more than just the efforts of individual organizations. It demands strategic partnerships that leverage strengths, share resources, and create innovative solutions that drive measurable impact.

At our recent AFP-NYC event, we had the privilege of hosting an insightful panel discussion on the formation of a nonprofit consortium—a groundbreaking collaboration that unites leading organizations under a shared mission to fight food insecurity in New York City.

Leadership Driving Change

At the forefront of this effort are three visionary leaders who have come together to form the Consortium, a first-of-its-kind partnership dedicated to tackling food insecurity on a citywide scale:

  • Leslie Gordon, President and CEO of the Food Bank For New York City
  • Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest
  • Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York

Together, these leaders are proving that when organizations break down silos and work toward a unified goal, they can amplify impact and drive meaningful change in ways that no single organization could achieve alone.

Breaking Down Barriers to Build Stronger Solutions

A major theme of the discussion was the importance of breaking down organizational silos. While nonprofits often work toward similar goals, competition for funding and visibility can sometimes create barriers to collaboration. Our panelists emphasized that when organizations shift their mindset from competition to cooperation, they unlock new opportunities to serve their communities more effectively.

One of the most critical steps in building a successful consortium is establishing trust among partners. Collaboration requires vulnerability—being open about challenges, sharing data, and working through conflicts. The panelists underscored that trust is built over time through transparency, shared goals, and consistent communication.

Key Takeaways for Fundraisers

For fundraisers, building partnerships isn’t just about securing more funding; it’s about amplifying impact. Here are some of the key takeaways from the discussion that resonated most:

🔹 Trust is Everything – Without trust, collaboration is impossible. Organizations must prioritize open dialogue and demonstrate reliability to foster strong, lasting partnerships.

🔹 Align on a Common Goal – A successful consortium requires all partners to be aligned on a shared mission and vision. Clearly defining success from the outset helps guide decision-making and keeps everyone moving in the same direction.

🔹 Resource Sharing is Key – From donor networks to operational expertise, each organization brings something valuable to the table. The best partnerships harness these strengths rather than duplicate efforts.

🔹 Funders are Looking for Collaboration – More than ever, funders want to invest in collaborative solutions. Organizations that demonstrate the ability to work together effectively can unlock new funding opportunities.

🔹 Measure & Communicate Impact – To sustain a consortium, it’s crucial to track and share tangible results. Clear reporting helps partners stay engaged and ensures continued support from donors and stakeholders.

Looking Ahead

As nonprofit professionals, we have an incredible opportunity to rethink how we work together to solve society’s most pressing issues. By embracing collaboration, building trust, and aligning on shared goals, we can create lasting impact that no one organization could achieve alone.

We left this event inspired by the real-world examples of nonprofit partnerships making a difference—and we hope you did too. Let’s continue to explore how we can break down barriers, work smarter together, and ultimately drive greater change for the communities we serve.

What are your experiences with nonprofit collaboration? We’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s keep the conversation going!

Melanie Buhrmaster & Gregory Boroff
Co-Chairs, AFP-NYC Event

Melanie Buhrmaster is a highly accomplished non-profit leader with over 30 years of experience advancing mission-driven initiatives. She currently serves as the Vice President, Philanthropy at the Food Bank for New York City, where she leads efforts to build meaningful, trust-based partnerships with donors and stakeholders.
Her career highlights include leading capital campaigns and major gift programs, securing transformative philanthropic investments through authentic, purpose-driven partnerships. Beyond fundraising, Melanie excels in designing sustainable programs that align resources with organizational goals, fostering collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of non-profit leaders. A compassionate and strategic thinker, Melanie is dedicated to creating impactful donor experiences that shift the focus from giving to an organization to giving through an organization, ensuring lasting support and meaningful change.

Gregory Boroff oversees our fundraising, marketing, communications, volunteer services and special events initiatives. Gregory returned to City Harvest 17 years after having worked here earlier in his career. Over his 25+ year career working with nonprofits, Gregory has raised more than $900 million for organizations that include Friends of Hudson River Park, amfAR, Food Bank For New York City, and Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC). BizBash Magazine named Gregory one of the most innovative people in the event industry. Gregory serves on the Board of EventFluence, as a member of the Steering Committee for Allies in Action, and as a mentor for AFP-NYC. He has previously served on the Board of the Greater New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, as Chair of AFP’s Fundraising Day in New York, as a member of the BizBash Magazine Advisory Council, on the Board and as Program Dean of the CAE Career Enrichment Committee for the New York Society of Association Executives, and as a mentor for the Point Foundation. Gregory is a proud supporter of New Hope for Cambodian Children. In 2025, AFP recognized Gregory with the esteemed Ralph E. Chamberlain Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership, dedication, and impact.

 

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