Is this the right partner? It is crucial to know your partnering organization thoroughly entering into a collaboration. Make sure that the goals, values, management style, reputation, and ethics are all compatible with your own. You need to be able to trust each other, and you need a good grasp on each other’s strengths and weaknesses before creating any written agreement.
Have you done your due diligence? Review your potential partner’s finances, programs, licenses, contracts, and any other relevant documents. Be sure to discuss the impending collaboration with your funders in advance.
Have you chosen the correct structure? Think over the goals of your collaboration carefully before settling on a structure for the partnership.
Looking for a very loose, simple partnership with like-minded groups? Consider forming a network.
Do you want to band together to address a very specific mission? A coalition might be appropriate.
Interested in something more formal and closely tied? A merger or joint venture may be the answer.