Project · Strategic Planning
Partnership & collaboration plan for nonprofits
Part of our strategic planning support. Work on it with a coach, practitioner or cohort — and keep the result.
No credit card required · you own & control your data
You’ll walk away with
Partner map
Collaboration options (from referral to merger)
Partnership agreement outline
- Typical length
- 2–4 months
- Who’s involved
- executive director (ED) and board chair, with partner leaders joining later sessions; about 2 hours a week
Overview
What is a partnership & collaboration plan project?
A partnership and collaboration plan helps you decide which organizations to work with and how closely, from simple referrals to shared services or, less often, a merger. When it’s done, you have a map of possible partners, clear options for each and an outline for a written agreement.
Steps
How does a partnership & collaboration plan project usually run?
01
Map the field
List organizations that serve the same people or place, and where you overlap.
02
Clarify your goals
Decide what you want from working together, such as reach, savings or better services.
03
Explore options
Talk with possible partners about options from referral agreements to shared staff.
04
Put it in writing
Draft an agreement outline, and have legal counsel review any formal agreement.
Signs you need this
When does a nonprofit need a partnership & collaboration plan project?
The most common sign a nonprofit needs a partnership & collaboration plan project is “You overlap with other organizations.” — here are the others to look for.
- You overlap with other organizations.
- A funder suggested you collaborate.
- Partnerships depend on personal relationships.
Delivery
How does Resilia deliver a partnership & collaboration plan project?
Practitioner: a practitioner facilitates conversations with you and possible partners. Legal counsel is recommended for formal agreements.
Practitioner time is scoped with you — or free to you if your funder sponsors it. Legal review, if needed, is separate.
Example
What does a finished partnership & collaboration plan look like?
For example, two small after-school programs in the same neighborhood might explore sharing a bookkeeper and a summer camp. They could finish with a partner map, a one-year shared-services pilot and an agreement outline for both boards to approve.
Pitfalls
What are common mistakes to avoid?
- Building a partnership on one personal friendship between leaders.
- Skipping the written agreement because things feel friendly.
- Jumping to merger talks before trying lighter ways of working together.
Related
What is a partnership & collaboration plan project often paired with?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is this about mergers?
It can be, but most collaborations are lighter: shared services, joint programs or referrals.
How long does a partnership & collaboration plan project take?
Typically 2–4 months. ED and board chair, with partner leaders joining later sessions; about 2 hours a week.
How much does a partnership & collaboration plan project cost?
Practitioner time is scoped with you — or free to you if your funder sponsors it. Legal review, if needed, is separate.
Who does the work on a partnership & collaboration plan project?
A practitioner facilitates the process; legal counsel recommended for formal agreements.
Can we start a partnership & collaboration plan project for free?
Yes. Start self-service for free in your workspace, then add a coach, practitioner or cohort when you’re ready — or ask your funder to sponsor it.
Can our funder pay for this?
Often, yes. Here’s how to ask.
Start this project.
I run a nonprofit
Start in your free workspace — no funder needed.
Start this projectNo credit card required · you own & control your data
Advise nonprofits? See how consultants work with Resilia.