Key Factors for Establishing Collaboration between NPOs and the Government: A Case Study

Collaboration with the government is not just a key factor in the organizational growth of a single NPO, but a key issue influencing the development of the whole NPO sector. Especially in China, NPOs still remain weak even as they proliferate widely. The government has made clear its intention to change from a management-oriented government to service-oriented government. As one step in this direction, it has begun to procure social services from NPOs. However, it is still unclear how the approach of procuring services can become a regular form of collaboration between the government and NPOs and, as such, a driver of NPO growth. This paper analyzes the case of Shining Stone Community Action (SSCA). SSCA has successfully promoted its collaboration with the government and has realized the goal of the government purchasing its services. The paper examines various factors required for collaboration between NPOs and the government, with a special focus on those necessary for government procurement of NPO services to take place. These factors provide valuable lessons for building relationships between governments and NPOs. The paper closely examines three key factors: NPO expertise, communication between NPO leaders and government officials, and the presence of persons who understand both governmental and NPO systems profoundly.