Partnering with others allows nonprofits and Foundations to benefit from varied perspectives and expertise, capitalize on valuable resources and have a greater reach and impact. Identifying, facilitating and ensuring the success of partnerships, however, is challenging. Here are some tips on how to partner with purpose – how to make sure your partnerships are effective and worth the investment.
Why partner?
Why are you looking to partner? What do potential partners have that you don’t – access to the population, funding, expertise? What will you bring to the table?
Determine why you need a partner and what it is you need from the partnership. Set clear expectations about the roles and responsibilities for all collaborating agencies, including yours.
Who will you partner with?
Often, agencies choose to partner with organizations they or others have previously partnered with or who come highly recommended. While this may be effective, it may also not be the best approach.
Assessing an organization’s capacity to partner is key in determining if that partnership will be effective. Does the agency submit required data, reports and deliverables in a timely manner? Do they engage in the work and participate actively in meetings? Are they responsive and communicative?
Talk to others who have partnered with the agency. Be sure to vet each potential partner to make sure they have the capacity to be an effective partner before hopping into bed with them.
How will you partner?
What are your agency’s values? What is important to you in your work – transparency, integrity, equity, dignity, collaboration, etc.? Make sure that the partner shares your some of your values and is committed to being an active and engaged partner.
How will you know your partnerships are working?
Evaluate your partnerships! Talk to staff and gather information on the successes, challenges and lessons learned from the partnerships. Make sure they are working efficiently and effectively and are adding value to your work.
If you would like help in determining if your partnerships are effective and strengthening your partnerships, drop me a line. I can help you identify and assess potential partners and develop protocols and systems to help ensure the success of your partnerships. Partner with purpose!
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