Strategic Alliances

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Strategic alliances can take many forms and can serve multiple purposes, such as partnership, sharing of resources and improved operational efficiency. Strategic alliances help to strengthen individual nonprofit capacity and the capacity of the sector as a whole. Nonprofit organizations should be open to strategic alliances and, when appropriate, should partner with other organizations to enhance their capability to achieve desired results. Nonprofits should work to promote cooperation and coordination among a variety of entities to avoid unproductive duplication of services and to maximize the resources available to the communities they serve.

Assessment Items

Assessment

Legal Essential Recommended
We are open to strategic alliances as a means to help achieve goals, improve effectiveness and efficiency, ensure effective use of resources, improve services, and strengthen community connections with constituents and others. X
We carefully consider how entering into strategic alliances will affect all parties involved and identify the key staff, board, and other stakeholders that should be involved. X
We do not create strategic alliances purely to meet funding challenges. X
We only create alliances with competent and functioning organizations. X
Decisions regarding alliances are consistent with the strategic goals of our organization and will positively impact our brand and image. X

Relationship Building

Legal Essential Recommended
We are aware of and coordinate with other organizations providing similar or complementary services in our community. X
We identify, promote, and provide referrals to other organizations that may be better able to meet the needs of constituents. X
We have researched and understand the tax implications and the potential exempt status impact of partnering with a for-profit entity. X
We value and practice inclusion, diversity and equity. We seek input from people with lived experience in the conditions that we strive to impact. We use this diversity of experience to identify challenges and barriers and develop solutions and supports. X
We receive assistance from more experienced nonprofits through alliances and resource sharing. X
As appropriate, we assist smaller and/or less experienced nonprofits through alliances and resource sharing. X
We openly communicate with other nonprofits to gather information and share lessons learned and best practices. X
We ensure board approval with full knowledge of our legal obligations and liabilities when undertaking responsibility for fiscal sponsorship of another organization. (Note: the IRS views fiscal agency differently from fiscal sponsorship; get legal advice before proceeding). X
We have written policies and procedures that guide our organization in assessing, establishing, working in, and dissolving strategic alliances. X
We work to establish communication channels, mutual understanding, and natural alliances among the government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. X
We have a written memo of agreement/understanding for every collaborative commitment. X


Resources

Fiscal sponsorship policy & procedures
Joint venture policy
Written memo of agreement/understanding for each collaborative commitment


Best Practices

Assessment

  • Seriously consider collaborative ventures with natural partners for program implementation. Also consider the possibilities of formal alliances and/or mergers as appropriate. Ideally, your board of directors should be open to consolidating or merging with other organizations if it would be in the best interest of our constituents, community, or service area. Effective use of resources through cost-sharing mechanisms will allow a greater level of financial support to direct services.
  • Where formal partnerships exist, be thoughtful about the natural life of the relationship. Decide when and how relationships will be evaluated and/or terminated. Consider formal partnership agreements—particularly when sharing financial resources—that make provisions for both intellectual and real property when the relationship ends.

Relationship Building

  • Make it a habit to communicate regularly with current, past and potential funders. Add them to your mailing list for newsletters, annual reports and e-bulletins. Keep them apprised of significant happenings in your organization. Make it a point to network with key representatives at conferences and trainings.
  • Communicate regularly with other organizations in your area. Share information and resources to establish your organization as one who is invested in improving the community rather than competing. Keep abreast of activities and events that impact your (and their) work. Consider participating in (or establishing) director’s networking breakfasts or brown bag lunch conversation circles.
  • Identify key contacts with local government units (city, state, county, various departments) and business leaders to keep them apprised of your efforts. Add contacts to your newsletter mailing list or email alert system. Schedule breakfast or lunch meetings that will help you build a relationship before there’s an issue to address. Discuss mutual goals as well as opportunities for partnership and collaboration.