How does one survive and thrive in the age of specialization? No matter where we turn for advice — in the medical, legal, financial or philanthropic field — information is so fragmented. It’s no longer possible to see the “entire picture.” In many cases, even when several qualified experts analyze the same information, their advice to the client or donor differs greatly. How does everyone get on the same page? Is it even possible?

I believe it IS possible by embracing the elements of collaboration, a process that fosters creativity, transparency, communication, consensus and impact. I believe it’s imperative that nonprofit and for profit professionals collaborate to ensure the survival of the Third Sector (nonprofit institutions) as the tax reform debate takes center stage in our nation’s capitol. If, as a majority of our population believes, the nation’s moral compass has lost its true north, neither business nor government (the other two sectors) have as their primary mandate the responsibility to reset the course. In most cases, corporations report to shareholders and government carries our voter mandates. It is philanthropy that listens and responds to the ethical and moral pulse of civil society.

In the November/December 2012 issues the Association of Fundraising Professionals Advancing Philanthropy magazine, I write about the process of collaboration among professionals and why being a “lone wolf” in these uncertain economic times is perilous to the impact and survival of philanthropy.

To read the article in its entirety, click here. (Please be patient while it loads!)

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