Sharing Space Can Mean Sharing Costs (and More) for Nonprofits

Running a nonprofit is no small feat. Between managing limited budgets, rallying volunteers, and focusing on your core mission, finding ways to save time and money is crucial. For many nonprofits, sharing space with like-minded organizations has proven to be an effective solution. Not only does this practice significantly reduce costs, it also fosters a collaborative environment that can lead to unexpected opportunities.

If you’ve never considered sharing space, now might be the perfect time to explore this approach. This post will walk you through the benefits of nonprofits sharing space, how cost-sharing can work, and what to consider when deciding if it’s the right move for your organization. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how nonprofit collaboration through shared spaces could transform your work.

Why Nonprofits Should Consider Sharing Space

1. Reduce Overhead Costs with Shared Resources

For many nonprofits, rent and utilities are among the biggest overhead costs. By sharing office space with a partner organization, these expenses can be split, freeing up precious resources to allocate toward your mission.

It’s not just about rent—you can also share costs on essentials like internet, office supplies, cleaning services, and even staff (e.g., a shared receptionist or IT professional). This collaborative model scales back financial burdens, allowing nonprofits to focus on what matters most—making a difference in their communities.

2. Build a Community of Collaboration

One of the often-overlooked benefits of sharing space is the sense of community it creates. Being in close proximity to other nonprofits fosters an environment where collaboration feels organic. This could include brainstorming on shared goals, finding creative ways to support each other’s missions, or even combining efforts on large-scale projects.

For example, imagine a nonprofit focused on youth education sharing space with an organization that specializes in mental health. Together, they could create a holistic service offering to address both academic and emotional support for underserved children. The possibilities are endless when nonprofits collaborate.

3. Networking for Expansion

Sharing office space can also open the door to valuable networking opportunities — whether it’s meeting donors, exchanging contacts, or brainstorming strategies to secure new funding. Often, these relationships extend beyond your shared workspace, creating long-term partnerships that aid both organizations.

4. Boost Staff Morale

Working in an isolated office can feel constraining for nonprofit staff and volunteers. Sharing workspaces introduces a lively and diverse team dynamic, exposing individuals to fresh perspectives and energizing a team’s day-to-day environment.

5. Create Shared Experiences for Clients and Beneficiaries

For organizations that directly serve clients (e.g., food banks, career centers, or health services), a shared location can simplify things for your beneficiaries. Clients seeking services from multiple nonprofits no longer have to commute to multiple locations if you’re all under one roof. This convenience can make your services more accessible and your mission more impactful.

Key Considerations When Sharing Space

While the benefits of nonprofit collaboration through shared spaces are clear, it’s also important to carefully think through the logistics.

1. Who Should You Share Space With?

Choose partners with complementary missions and values that align with your organization’s goals. Sharing with the wrong partner can lead to organizational clashes or conflicting priorities. Start by researching nonprofits in your network or community whose work naturally complements your own.

2. How Will Costs Be Shared?

Set clear expectations for cost-sharing upfront. Will you split rent evenly, or based on square footage? How will shared expenses like utilities, supplies, or conference room bookings be divided? Drafting a concise agreement is essential to ensure a smooth, collaborative relationship.

3. Privacy and Confidentiality

For organizations that handle sensitive data, such as medical or financial records, it’s essential to consider how shared spaces will affect confidentiality. This might involve creating restricted areas, locking file cabinets, or implementing clear rules about workplace ethics.

4. The Right Location

Consider the shared office’s location and its accessibility for your beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers. A convenient and central location will benefit everyone involved.

5. Create Shared Rules for the Space

Set ground rules to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. These could include noise levels, collaborative workspace versus private zones, shared cleaning responsibilities, and scheduling procedures for shared meeting spaces. A well-structured system will keep your workspace both productive and harmonious.

Real-Life Success Stories

Nonprofits across the country are already reaping the benefits of shared spaces.

• The Nonprofit Center in Boston supports over 50 different nonprofits within a single building. This space provides shared meeting rooms, reduced rent, and opportunities for collaboration across various causes.

• The Center for Social Innovation in Toronto fosters collaboration between nonprofits, social enterprises, and entrepreneurs. Their members regularly combine efforts to address pressing social issues.

If these organizations can make it work, there’s a high chance your nonprofit could thrive in a similar setup.

Taking the Leap Toward Sharing Space

Now that you know how nonprofit collaboration through shared spaces can reduce costs and spark new opportunities, you might be wondering how to get started. Start by reaching out to your network to identify potential partners. You could also look into coworking spaces that cater to nonprofits.

Most importantly, consult with trusted advisors or experts who specialize in nonprofit strategies. If you’d like personalized guidance, our team at SD Mayer & Associates is here to help. We can assist you in analyzing costs, drafting agreements, and creating shared-workspace strategies that are right for your organization.

Together, we can help you focus on what truly matters—growing your impact.