How do you leverage partnerships and collaborations to support and enhance your change efforts?

2 Types of partnerships and collaborations

Partnerships and collaborations can take many forms, ranging from informal networks to mergers. An informal network is a loose connection with other organizations that share information and ideas, but have no formal agreements. Coalitions are groups of organizations that advocate for a specific cause, yet remain autonomous. Alliances are formal and long-term arrangements with other organizations that share resources and responsibilities. Mergers are the most complex form of partnership, where two or more organizations integrate their structures, systems, and cultures to become one entity.

3 Principles of effective partnerships and collaborations

In order to leverage partnerships and collaborations for your change efforts, it is important to follow some key principles that can ensure their success and sustainability. These include trust, which requires honesty, transparency, respect, and mutual support; communication through clear, frequent, and inclusive dialogue and feedback; alignment of a common vision, mission, values, and goals; accountability for delivering on commitments, reporting on progress, and evaluating results and impact; and adaptability to changing needs, opportunities, and challenges. All partners must be willing to learn and improve together.

4 Steps to leverage partnerships and collaborations

As a non-profit leader, leveraging partnerships and collaborations can be a great way to support and enhance your change efforts. To do so, you should first assess your needs and capacities, such as what you want to achieve, the resources and skills you have, and any gaps or challenges you may face. Then, identify potential partners that have similar or complementary interests, values, and capacities that can add value to your change efforts. Reach out to them to introduce yourself and your organization, express your interest in collaborating, and explore areas of mutual benefit and alignment. If you decide to pursue a partnership or collaboration, create a written agreement that outlines the purpose, scope, roles, responsibilities, expectations, deliverables of each partner, as well as the communication, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms. Execute the activities according to your agreement and communicate regularly with your partners. Monitor progress and performance while addressing any issues or conflicts that arise. Finally, evaluate your partnership or collaboration results and impact. Acknowledge achievements and challenges while celebrating successes. Identify areas for improvement or growth.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?