The Unspoken ‘Competitive’ Energy

There’s this quiet tension that often lives behind the scenes of the non-profit world. An energy that most people don’t see, most donors don’t feel, and many who enter this work believing it’s purely collaborative are surprised when they encounter it. But it does exist.

It exists in the subtle comparisons, the guarded conversations, the tight grip around grant funding. And often in the unspoken fear that if another organization grows, somehow there will be less left for you.

In my observations, it usually shows up in the small ways. In the moments when organizations feel as though they are competing for social media attention, for donor loyalty and often when applying for the same grants. It’s almost like this underlying belief system that quietly whispers: There isn’t enough.

And yes, I can definitely understand where that fear comes from. Funding can be uncertain, resources can feel limited and the stakes are high when you’re caring for living beings who depend on you. But I refuse to build our mission on scarcity.

I, and our organization, do not believe that love is finite. We do not believe that compassion is a limited resource. And we definitely do not believe that when one rescue receives support, another loses.

I am a firm believer that it is, in fact, the opposite.

I believe love expands when it is expressed, that generosity multiplies when it is modeled and most importantly - that collaboration strengthens impact.

If another organization is applying for a grant and needs us as a reference — we are a YES. Even if it is a grant we are also applying for. Because when one non-profit wins, we all win.

When one sanctuary grows stronger, the entire welfare community grows stronger.

And when one organization receives recognition, it raises awareness for the cause as a whole.

And I do not believe that this is naïveté. I believe it is true, genuine, authentic, wholehearted leadership. It’s choosing abundance over fear and it’s understanding that the real “competition” is not between non-profits.

The real challenge is, in fact, indifference. It’s apathy. It’s the world not yet fully awake to the needs of vulnerable beings.

That is where our energy belongs.

Our energy does not belong in the guarding of resources, in the comparing of one another, and absolutely NOT in the quiet resentment of another’s success.

On energy should be focused in lifting one another up. In the Celebrating of each other’s wins loudly. In the sharing of resources freely. The offering references generously. And the Speaking well of one another publicly and privately.

I, and our organization, refuse to play the game of scarcity and instead choose to play the long game of collective impact.

There is more than enough support for missions rooted in integrity and there is more than enough funding for organizations doing aligned, transparent, heart-centered work.

And when we operate from that belief, we become evidence of it.

We are here to rehabilitate. We are here to restore dignity and safety to animals who have known neglect. We are here to offer love, compassion, empathy and therapeutic support to our community. And we are here to model what collaboration can look like in a world that has been taught to compete.

If our work inspires others — beautiful.
If another organization thrives — incredible.
If a grant goes to a rescue that will steward it well — we celebrate.

I started this non profit from a whole hearted space woven deeply with love, compassion, and the hope of building community in order to create a lasting impact on the world. And I KNOW that none of that happens alone. It happens in community.

Because this was never about ego for me, it was never about territory and it was definitely never about being the only light in the room. It’s about building a brighter room together.

And that is a game we will always say yes to.