What are the most common mistakes when building a coalition?

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Coalitions are powerful tools for nonprofit leaders who want to amplify their impact, mobilize resources, and influence policy. However, building and maintaining a coalition is not easy. It requires strategic planning, clear communication, and mutual trust among diverse partners. In this article, you will learn about the most common mistakes when building a coalition and how to avoid them.

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1 Mistake 1: Lack of vision

One of the biggest mistakes when building a coalition is not having a clear and shared vision of what you want to achieve and why. A vision statement should articulate the common goals, values, and principles of the coalition, as well as the expected outcomes and benefits for the partners and the community. Without a vision, the coalition may lose focus, direction, and motivation, and face conflicts and misunderstandings among the partners.

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Coby C. Williams

?? Public Affairs | Community and Stakeholder Engagement | Social Impact Strategist
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Ideally, coalitions are formed around shared and specific objectives. The broader a coalition's focus, the more difficult alignment becomes. Alignment across the board describes a standing organization or partnership. Functionally, coalitions are more tactical and finite.

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Ann C.

Kindness Ambassador | Storyteller | Corporate Social Responsibility | Philanthropy Expert | Advocate for Empowered.Giving | MBA | Views My Own
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Oh I think the biggest mistake is not having shared values not a shared vision. Sharing the same values is the place to start. Vision can be built but values cannot.

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2 Mistake 2: Poor governance

Another common mistake when building a coalition is not establishing a clear and effective governance structure and process. A governance structure should define the roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority of the coalition members, leaders, and staff. It should also specify the frequency, format, and agenda of the meetings, the communication channels and protocols, and the conflict resolution mechanisms. Without a governance structure, the coalition may suffer from confusion, inefficiency, and power imbalances.

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Ann C.

Kindness Ambassador | Storyteller | Corporate Social Responsibility | Philanthropy Expert | Advocate for Empowered.Giving | MBA | Views My Own
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A great way to resolve for this is to have a neutral secretariat that builds this for you. Having a backbone for your collaboration is so helpful and takes the stress out of day to day interactions allowing you to do the critical work.

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3 Mistake 3: Insufficient resources

A third common mistake when building a coalition is not securing and managing sufficient resources to support the coalition's activities and operations. Resources include financial, human, material, and technical assets that the coalition needs to carry out its action plan and achieve its vision. A resource plan should identify the sources, amounts, and allocation of the resources, as well as the monitoring and reporting systems to ensure accountability and transparency. Without a resource plan, the coalition may face financial difficulties, staff burnout, and poor performance.

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4 Mistake 4: Weak relationships

A fourth common mistake when building a coalition is not building and maintaining strong and trusting relationships among the partners and with the stakeholders. Relationships are the foundation of any coalition, and they require constant nurturing and attention. A relationship strategy should include activities and practices that foster collaboration, mutual respect, and recognition among the partners, such as regular check-ins, feedback sessions, social events, and appreciation gestures. It should also include outreach and engagement efforts to involve and inform the stakeholders, such as community members, donors, media, and policymakers. Without a relationship strategy, the coalition may experience low commitment, high turnover, and low credibility.

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Cynthia Giesecke, M.Ed.

Community Builder | Strategic Partnerships | Program Analysis
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One of the common mistakes I've seen from experience is when a coalition is trying to work in a silo. There might be other groups doing the same thing---partnerships are critical and can lead to leveraging each other's resources, human capital, etc. Doing research before building a coalition can save time, money, and resources.

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5 Mistake 5: Unrealistic expectations

A fifth common mistake when building a coalition is not setting and managing realistic expectations for the coalition's results and impact. Expectations are the beliefs and assumptions that the partners and the stakeholders have about the coalition's work and outcomes. A evaluation plan should define the indicators, methods, and tools to measure and communicate the coalition's progress and achievements, as well as the challenges and lessons learned. It should also include feedback and learning opportunities to adjust and improve the coalition's strategies and practices. Without an evaluation plan, the coalition may face disappointment, frustration, and loss of support.

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Ann C.

Kindness Ambassador | Storyteller | Corporate Social Responsibility | Philanthropy Expert | Advocate for Empowered.Giving | MBA | Views My Own
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There are different types of coalitions so it is super helpful to define the type and the structure that you are building and how formal versus informal the structure is which will help define project planning and resource allocation. It will also set expectations. And having a strong communications plan that is transparent will help as well. Often coalitions are a side job or a small piece of someone’s job so you have to remind members where they are at in the journey and where they are going. It helps!

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6 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?

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Cherian Koshy

?? Social Impact Innovator | ?? Global Leader | ?? Strategy & Technology Advocate ?? Dynamic Speaker | ?? CFRE, CAP?, Series 65 Licensed | How can I help?
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Having built international coalitions, it's important to recognize that a critical mistake is the failure to cultivate cultural competency among its members. Coalitions often bring together a variety of organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Without an understanding and respect for these cultural differences, miscommunications and conflicts can arise, undermining the coalition's objectives.

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Zakkiyya Cunningham, M.A.

Strategic Partnership Specialist | Award-winning Journalist | Logistics & Event Coordinator | DEIJ Facilitator | Urban Sociologist | Military Spouse
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I think we also have to consider here, supporting infrastructures. Maybe you're trying to coalition build for a cause that is widely unsupported by the local government, businesses & community members. Realizing who you target audience is & developing a strategy for partnership with unwilling support systems is extremely valuable.

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What are the most common mistakes when building a coalition?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Mistake 1: Lack of vision

2 Mistake 2: Poor governance

3 Mistake 3: Insufficient resources

4 Mistake 4: Weak relationships

5 Mistake 5: Unrealistic expectations

6 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Leadership

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What are the most common mistakes when building a coalition?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Mistake 1: Lack of vision

2 Mistake 2: Poor governance

3 Mistake 3: Insufficient resources

4 Mistake 4: Weak relationships

5 Mistake 5: Unrealistic expectations

6 Here’s what else to consider

Non-profit Leadership

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