Creating and Strengthening Community Partnerships
Creating and Strengthening Community Partnerships
Those of us who are committed to the work of the nonprofit sector understand the importance of engaging with community partners. Partnerships expand our resource pool and help ensure that families receive the services they need—without being overwhelmed by navigating a maze of systems.
Building relationships with others who serve the same population creates stronger outcomes for families and greater success for our programs. When we pool resources and create collaborative events that serve our shared community, we divide the work and share the costs.
We are better together!
Most of us fully intend to make partnership-building a priority, but the daily demands of providing high-quality services often take up our time—and we never quite “get around to it.” It’s not because we don’t care, it’s because what is in front of us is keeping us too buys. Speaking from experience, the constant press of daily “must-do’s” can shift our focus to immediate problem-solving rather than future opportunities that would make our work easier in the long run.
I’ve been there. I’ve started out strong—reaching out to potential partners, making plans to work together—only to find that months later, the follow-up fell through, people moved on, and the once-promising contact list became outdated.
So how do we make developing strong community partnerships a priority and still keep up with the daily tasks?
One of my best experiences was working alongside a talented, motivated family advocate who had the time and passion to focus on building partnerships. While not every organization can dedicate a full-time person to this work, the lesson remains: it’s challenging, but not impossible!
Breaking It Down: One Bite at a Time
Think of partnership-building like eating a good meal. Picture yourself with a juicy steak—or for our vegetarian and vegan friends, a platter of perfectly grilled vegetables. You instinctively know you need to cut it up and take one bite at a time.
The same principle applies here: break it down into manageable steps.
Step 1: Identify the Greatest Challenges for Families in Your Community
Ask yourself:
What needs can our program meet?
What needs do our clients have that we need community partners to provide?
Who are those potential partners?
Focus on one or two key areas. You can’t take it all on at once.
A great starting point is your Community Needs Assessment (or, if you don’t formally do one, use your understanding of local needs). Consider creating a simple one that identifies what is happening in your service area.
A needs assessment helps you:
Identify which populations are most in need of your services and what barriers they face in connecting.
Design equitable, inclusive, and accessible services that reflect community diversity.
Recognize existing strengths and resources that can be leveraged for collaboration.
Learn how best to communicate with families in ways that are accessible and effective.
When you understand your community, you can better identify needs and potential partners.
For example, in our rural community—873 square miles and home to about 41,000 people—there are no Lyfts, Ubers, and very few cabs. While we’re known for our hiking trails and stunning coastline, transportation is a real barrier to accessing health care and other social services. Awareness of that need helped us form partnerships with organizations that provide transportation assistance. Those relationships ensure our staff are knowledgeable and confident in sharing resources with families—leading to better outcomes for everyone.
It takes time up front, but having those partners on speed dial when a client is in crisis saves time and stress later on!
Step 2: Identify Partners Who Share Your Mission and Values
Sustainable partnerships are built on shared goals and mutual benefit.
For instance, domestic violence shelters, transitional housing programs, and rehabilitation services do incredible work meeting the basic needs of families. But they may not have the capacity to support young children’s learning and development.
That’s where partnerships shine. When early childhood programs collaborate with shelters, children can receive learning opportunities right where they live—while parents get the support they need.
Lisa and I have had the privilege of opening a Head Start classroom onsite at a family shelter. Reflecting on the impact of that partnership, reminded us of how powerful collaboration can be.
Step 3: Build the Relationship
Once you’ve identified a potential partner who’s interested in working together:
Take time to get to know each other.
Keep communication open.
Share your clients’ needs and the barriers they face.
Listen carefully as they share theirs.
Define collective goals—what do you want to accomplish together?
Clarify roles and responsibilities.
And be ready for setbacks. In the nonprofit world, roadblocks happen—funding shifts, staff changes, illnesses, administrative needs—but don’t give up. Keep the lines of communication open and work through the challenges.
Partnerships that represent diverse perspectives are stronger and more resilient.
Step 4: Cultivate Mutual Respect
Mutual respect isn’t just about words—it’s about actions.
Support one another’s work.
Share your partners’ strengths and resources with your own network.
Ask how you can help promote their efforts.
For example:
Can you distribute their flyers?
Can you introduce them to someone or a meeting that might further their mission?
Small gestures like these build trust and show genuine partnership.
Things to Keep in Mind
Partnerships strengthen your work. They help you achieve your mission and improve the well-being of those you serve.
Example: We recently partnered with an agency that had funds earmarked for literacy. Together, we decided to provide backpacks filled with books and learning materials through the Raising a Reader program. Families received free backpacks and new books to enjoy together—a simple collaboration with a big impact.
Partnerships can also expand professional development.
One of our community partners graciously provided a training for all staff on “Dealing With Picky Eaters” a topic that comes up often for parents of young children. Giving staff the strategies allows them to better support parents.
Start Small, Think Long-Term
True partnerships take time. They require understanding each other’s programs, aligning goals, and syncing services. Start small—one joint event, one referral pathway, one shared training—and aim to build a relationship that’s sustainable and flexible as community needs evolve.
One final note from experience: partnerships are built between people. When one person leaves or changes roles, the partnership can fade. Make sure multiple staff are involved and invested so the collaboration can continue over time.
Ready to Strengthen Your Partnerships?
Building community partnerships takes intention and effort—but the rewards are worth it. Together, we can make a greater impact than any of us could alone.
If your organization could use support developing or strengthening community partnerships, we’re here to help. Our consulting services include facilitation of strategic planning, community needs assessments, partnership development, and program coordination support.
Think of us as that temporary extra pair of hands that helps move your good ideas into action.
Reach out—we’d love to explore how we can help your team build the connections that make lasting community change possible.
Written by Pat and Lisa — nonprofit consultants passionate about helping organizations turn vision into action.
Pat.PandLConsulting.com
Lisa.PandLConsulting.com