This article uses data from a survey of nonprofit executive directors in Boston, Massachusetts to address the question: which factors influence the propensity for and intensity of nonprofit-local government collaborations? The likelihood of collaboration (or propensity) is influenced by resource dependence on government and foundation funding, reduced transaction costs, and perceived competition with other nonprofits. The strength (or intensity) of nonprofit-local government relationships is positively associated with nonprofit capacity, resource diversification, factors associated with reduced transaction costs, and participation in a nonprofit membership association. These findings have important implications for government practitioners and nonprofit leaders who seek to foster stronger collaborations.
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