Revolutionizing Nonprofit Support: The Nonprofit Cooperative Takes the Cost Out of Growth

Danette O’Connell, founder and executive director of The Nonprofit Cooperative, is a driving force in providing essential, no-cost resources to nonprofit organizations nationwide. A unique blend of technology expertise and a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector, Danette has built a community that aims to make a significant impact without the financial barriers typically faced by nonprofits.

Like many other nonprofit professionals, Danette's journey to the nonprofit world was untraditional. After a successful career in the technology industry, where she sold her technology company in 2004, Danette pursued an MBA in International Business. Her transition into the nonprofit sector began in 2004 when she began consulting for nonprofits globally. During her time as a consultant, she noticed a recurring issue: nonprofit organizations were being charged fees for membership, training, and networking events—resources critical for their growth, but often funded through restricted donations. Frustrated by this dynamic, she knew something had to change.

In 2018, Danette founded the Nonprofit Resource Hub, initially based in New York and Long Island, to offer nonprofit organizations free support and networking opportunities. She recognized the need to expand her mission and, in 2021, launched The Nonprofit Cooperative—a national organization that provides these essential resources for nonprofits at no cost.

“What sets us apart is that everything we do is free for nonprofits,” Danette says. 

The cooperative offers everything from free training and networking to a dedicated social network for collaboration among nonprofits. Additionally, it provides exclusive business partnerships where companies that serve nonprofits are given the opportunity to connect with organizations without facing competition within their industry zone. With 6,200 nonprofits in their community and growing, Danette is proud of the profound impact she’s made, especially given the cooperative's rapid 300% annual growth.

Danette is very passionate about inclusivity within the space, and emphasizes that no matter the size or stage of development—whether a startup or a large-scale organization with over $100 million in revenue—every nonprofit has a place in the cooperative. She highlights their Incubator Program, designed specifically for nonprofits just starting, as one of the unique features that sets the cooperative apart from other membership organizations.

Danette is especially drawn to nonprofits that think creatively, pushing the boundaries of what’s traditionally expected. Her passion for seeing nonprofits succeed is what drives her to keep expanding the cooperative and providing fresh opportunities for learning and growth.

The most rewarding part of Danette’s work is the feedback she receives from the nonprofits she supports, although she acknowledges that balancing the needs of both the nonprofit members and business partners can be challenging at times.

“Helping them grow their organization, helping them make an impact—that’s what it’s all about,” Danette says. 

Danette’s dedication is not just about providing services; it's about fostering a mindset of collaboration. The ethos of collaboration is central to the cooperative’s mission, as it believes that nonprofits can achieve more by working together to share resources, knowledge, and strategies. Danette aims to remove the competitive mindset that often exists in the sector, fostering a culture of community and shared success.

"We encourage nonprofits to see each other as collaborators, not competitors,” Danette says. “If nonprofits can work together and share resources, ideas, and strategies, they can grow much faster and make a bigger impact. We really emphasize that mindset in our community."

As the cooperative looks ahead, Danette remains committed to continuous growth, always asking, “What’s next?” She credits much of the organization’s success to collaboration with organizations like GrantStation and continues to seek new ways to help nonprofits thrive.

In just a few years, The Nonprofit Cooperative has become a vital resource for nonprofits nationwide, growing exponentially and offering an unprecedented level of support. With Danette at the helm, the future looks bright for nonprofits across the country, as they continue to access the tools and connections they need to change the world, one nonprofit at a time.