How do you team up with other groups to raise more funds for your nonprofit?

1 Identify potential partners

The first step to team up with other groups is to identify who they are and what they have to offer. You want to look for groups that share your mission, vision, and values, but also have complementary skills, resources, and networks. For example, you might partner with a local business that can provide matching funds, a media outlet that can promote your cause, or a community organization that can mobilize volunteers. You can use online platforms, such as Giving Compass or Idealist, to search for groups by location, sector, and interest.

2 Build relationships

Once you have a list of potential partners, you need to build trust and rapport with them. You can start by reaching out via email, phone, or social media, and expressing your interest in collaborating. You can also invite them to your events, join their webinars, or comment on their posts. The goal is to show that you value their work, understand their goals, and respect their expertise. You can also use this opportunity to learn more about their strengths, challenges, and expectations.

3 Propose a joint project

After you have established a relationship with a group, you can propose a joint project that benefits both of you. You can brainstorm ideas together, or present a specific proposal that outlines the objectives, activities, roles, and responsibilities of each partner. You want to make sure that the project aligns with your respective missions, strategies, and capacities, and that it has a clear value proposition for your donors. You can also discuss how you will measure and report on the outcomes and impact of the project.

4 Negotiate a partnership agreement

Before you launch the project, you need to formalize the partnership agreement with the group. This is a document that defines the terms and conditions of the collaboration, such as the duration, budget, communication, decision-making, and dispute resolution processes. You want to make sure that the agreement is clear, fair, and transparent, and that it protects the rights and interests of both parties. You can use templates, such as the ones from Network for Good or Candid, to guide you through the process.

5 Execute the project

The next step is to execute the project according to the plan and the agreement. You need to communicate regularly with your partner, update them on the progress and challenges, and seek their feedback and input. You also need to coordinate your fundraising efforts, such as creating joint materials, launching joint campaigns, and acknowledging joint donors. You want to leverage each other's strengths, resources, and networks, and create a unified and compelling message for your audience.

6 Evaluate and celebrate the partnership

The final step is to evaluate and celebrate the partnership with the group. You need to collect and analyze data on the outputs, outcomes, and impact of the project, and compare them with the objectives and indicators. You also need to solicit feedback from your partner, donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders on the strengths and weaknesses of the collaboration. You want to use this information to improve your future partnerships, and to recognize and appreciate each other's contributions. You can also share your success stories and best practices with your communities.

7 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?