How can partnerships drive innovation for nonprofits?

1 Types of partnerships

Nonprofits can pursue various types of partnerships to meet their objectives, depending on their capacities and contexts. Strategic alliances are formal or informal agreements between two or more organizations that cooperate to achieve a common goal, such as advocacy, service delivery, or capacity building. The Global Fund for Children is a prime example of this type of partnership. Cross-sector collaborations involve nonprofits and other sectors, such as businesses, governments, academia, or media, to tackle social problems. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a notable example of this type of partnership. Network organizations are groups of nonprofits that form a network or coalition to exchange information, coordinate actions, and amplify their collective voice. Climate Action Network (CAN) is an example of such an organization. Lastly, social enterprises are organizations that use business models and methods to achieve a social or environmental mission. Kiva is an example of this type of organization that provides microfinance for low-income entrepreneurs.

2 Benefits of partnerships

Partnerships can offer many benefits for nonprofits that seek to innovate and create social change, such as access to new ideas and perspectives, skills and expertise, networks and resources, and opportunities and challenges. These benefits can spark creativity and innovation, enhance capabilities, reduce costs and risks of innovation, expand reach and influence, increase visibility and credibility, create new possibilities, motivate and inspire to innovate and adapt, and provide learning opportunities.

3 Challenges of partnerships

Partnerships can offer many advantages for nonprofits, yet they also come with some challenges and risks. Finding the right partners, who share a clear and shared vision, mission, and values, as well as trust between each other, can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, managing the partnership requires effective communication, coordination, and collaboration among the partners. A fair and transparent distribution of roles, responsibilities, and benefits must also be established. Balancing the partnership between autonomy and interdependence of the partners is tricky and stressful when there are trade-offs or tensions in the partnership. All of these elements must be taken into consideration when forming a partnership.

4 Best practices for partnerships

To maximize the benefits of partnerships and overcome any challenges, nonprofits need to adhere to certain best practices and principles. Before forming a partnership, they must assess their own and their potential partners' readiness and suitability, such as their goals, values, capabilities, expectations, and risks. It's also important to establish a clear and formal agreement that outlines the purpose, objectives, strategies, activities, outcomes, indicators, roles, responsibilities, contributions, governance mechanisms, management procedures and accountability measures. Throughout the partnership, it's essential to build trust and relationships with each other and other stakeholders involved. The partners should communicate regularly and openly while providing feedback and support. It's also necessary to monitor and evaluate the progress of the partnership as well as any impact or outcomes. Data should be collected and analyzed while results are reported and learning is shared. Any challenges or risks should be acknowledged and addressed.

5 Examples of partnerships

Nonprofits in different fields and contexts have been able to drive innovation through partnerships. For instance, the Partnership for Healthy Cities is a global network of 70 cities supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization, and Vital Strategies that works collaboratively to prevent noncommunicable diseases and injuries. The 100 Resilient Cities initiative, funded by The Rockefeller Foundation, helps cities around the world become better equipped to handle 21st century physical, social, and economic challenges. The Skoll Foundation is another example of a partnership that supports social entrepreneurs who are innovating to solve the world's most pressing problems. This foundation provides grants, awards, connections, and exposure to these innovators as well as fostering a community of peers, partners, and allies for them.