A partnership can go a long way toward building a stronger and more cohesive community. Partnership and collaboration can bring stability (both financial and non-financial) while attaining common goals, in addition to propelling your mission forward.
While each organization has its own reasons for collaborating, there are several similar reasons why not-for-profits may want to consider these alternatives.
Partnerships can help organisations to:
According to Hailstone, writing a professional partnership proposal is very similar to writing a grant proposal as both outline organisation’s needs, activities and projected outcomes, provide information on how the grant/partnership will impact sales and staff retention, provide access to key markets, and align with strategic priorities.
The key difference between the two proposals lies in the presentation of data. While a grant submission contains around 85 per cent hard data, a partnership proposal should weave this data into a narrative that fosters a human connection with the objectives of the proposal.
An effective partnership proposal needs to:
What draws you to the organisation that you want to be in partnership with? demonstrate a keen interest in the company you want to collaborate with. It helps if you read their website, check social media or read any published case studies so you can back up your words with correct data.
2. Set clear goals.
What does your organisation want to achieve out of this partnership and how will the other organisation come in and assist with this? state the problem clearly, be concise and direct to the point. Show that you are aware of these problems and the need to improve on them and the goal of achieving a long-term solution for them.
3. Outline benefits for potential partners
Emphasize how this partnership will benefit both organisations in terms of reaching the shared goal and how it can help in building credibility with sponsors and donors. Structure your words in a way that it communicates clearly what they want and need to know.
4. Demonstrate commitment to a long-term relationship
Assure the other organisation that this will be beneficial for both parties. Use reasonable repetition of your keywords, avoid superlatives and use phrases that may give off a negative tone. Tailor your letter to the organisation and make sure it aligns with their mission and vision as well.
Other key points you need to remember are:
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