Key Points
• Partnerships come in many forms – not just one type; they can shift and adapt over time.
Spectrum: autonomy ↔ integration
◦ Loose: simple alliance.
◦ Tight: full merger (two become one).
Levels of partnership
◦ Strategic/programmatic: high-level associations, networks, or alliances.
◦ Tactical/operational: shared services (e.g., admin, accounting, fundraising,
management).
◦ Blends: coalitions, joint ventures, mergers.
Multi-tier partnerships possible:
◦ Core partners (deep involvement, funding, leadership).
◦ Mid-tier/outer partners (occasional input, subject experts, observers).
Keys to success:
◦ Focus on value creation (not just tasks).
◦ Invest in relationships & dynamics.
◦ Dream big (shared vision), start small (test collaboration), go deep (prove value, then grow).