Nonprofit Good Practice Guide

Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University

Board Members' Guide to Partnership Planning  Last updated 11/30/2009

Partnerships may arise with the potential to allow nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to carry out their missions more effectively and efficiently. Board involvement is imperative when such an opportunity arises. Although the level of board involvement may differ depending on the complexity of the arrangement, yet its role in leading discussions on the potential impact on organizational performance is critical to all types of arrangements. Please click on the headings below to view some of the key factors NPO boards should consider when entering a partnership arrangement.

Authors: Dr. Ramya Ramanath and John A. Van Eyk*
*The authors gratefully acknowledge the work of Janean Brown, Mutebi Gardner, and Tera Qualls.

This publication was created by the Johnson Center for Philanthropy. In partnership with the AIM Alliance. In support of The Collaboration Prize presented by The Lodestar Foundation www.thecollaborationprize.org

Board Members' Guide to Partnership Planning

Partnerships may arise with potential to allow nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to carry out their missions more effectively and efficiently. Board involvement is imperative when an opportunity arises. The level of board involvement may differ depending on the complexity of the arrangement, yet its role in leading discussions on the potential impact on organizational performance is critical to all types of arrangements. Below are the key factors boards should consider when partnering.