More Examples of How Partnerships Benefit Your Nonprofit
If you’ve been following news in Alaska in the last couple of weeks, you may have noticed the announcement that Governor Parnell and the president of Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA), Richard Peterson, have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA).
While it’s probably no surprise that the State and the tribal government are working together to address problems in communities served by both entities, it is a bit unusual for the two governments to sign an MOA.
This MOA states that the state and the tribal governments will, for three years, focus on energy, public safety, and education and employment, particularly workforce training. You can watch the signing of the document at the link.
What is an MOA?
MOAs are official documents that define an area for interest and cooperation between two organizations or other parties. They’re not that common, especially with a governmental organization. Not only does the signing of an MOA indicate continued support and awareness for a mission, but also it tells funders that your organization and your cause are on the map and worthy of attention. Looking for more info? This link has a good break-down explanation and another real-life example of an MOA.
For-Profit
As we’ve mentioned on the blog before, we’re big fans of nonprofits thinking outside the box when forming partnerships. Just a few weeks ago, we wrote about how partnerships with for-profits can help your chances of getting funding and increase awareness of and sustainability for your mission. Some examples of nonprofit-for-profit collaboration include the collaboration between Alaska Airlines and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the partnerships between the Alaska Wilderness League and various for-profit outdoor-interest companies, such as the Patagonia and Osprey brands.
Other Partnership Ideas
In many communities where resources are limited, there may be some sense of competition between nonprofits for those resources and for the community’s attention. Nonprofits are stronger together than they are divided, so forming agreements between your organization and another one that shares an interest in your mission or community served may be the right choice for you.
There are many versions of a nonprofit-nonprofit partnership, for example, forming an alliance with a community service organization.
One example of nonprofit/charity partnership on a local scale in Alaska is the Capital Brewfest, a yearly event that benefits both the Rotary Club of Juneau and the United Way of Southeast Alaska. This year’s Brewfest will be held Saturday, Sept. 13.
Partnering with a university, school or library is another way to get more awareness for your projects while helping them serve their own community. Public buildings may be able to provide your team with meeting spaces, publicity and many other opportunities for initial collaboration. One example from Alaska is this University of Alaska Anchorage fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which funds research on cancer that affects children.
Another opportunity might be local or national advocacy groups that serve a similar demographic to the one that you serve. For example, the National Complete Streets Coalition, which works for safe street access, is actively looking for partnerships with nonprofits.
What successful partnerships have you had? Let us know on social media and we’ll spread the word!