Negotiation Skills for Nonprofits

People who join nonprofits generally love the word cooperation. One cannot change the world alone: joining forces with others —colleagues, partners, donors— is the only way to do so. In the global fight around poverty, climate change, illiteracy and access to health care, Development Cooperation is the logical umbrella term. Negotiation, on the other hand, does not feature very prominently in the minds of non-profit professionals; neither does it often make the list of required skills in NGO job listings. More often than not, negotiation is perceived as a win or lose exercise in which two or more parties are dividing something of fixed value.

This handbook covers the question why negotiation is essential to fundraising, communications and partnerships. Within this “negotiation triangle”, enhanced skills set can make the difference between success and failure.