Understanding Cooperation in the Face of Competition: Coopetitive Dynamics Between Community Foundations and Local United Ways

Abstract

This study examines “coopetitive” relationships between community foundations and local United Ways, relationships that combine both cooperative and competitive elements. Although business management literature has widely recognized that interorganizational relationships often are not purely cooperative or competitive, coopetitive relationships have received less attention in nonprofit research. We use a mixed methods approach to explore the concept of nonprofit coopetition. Drawing upon quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews from eight communities, we examine the existence and conditions in which coopetitive relationships are developed and maintained.