Local and Regional Partnerships

Draw partners from more than one source. Every neighborhood has a wealth of potential partners, so canvass the community for opportunities. Possibilities include schools and colleges, nonprofit organizations, community and religious organizations, foundations, businesses, and government agencies.

Partners must benefit, too. Always be able to explain how a partnership will benefit a potential partner. Benefits may include favorable publicity for the partner, better fulfillment of the partner's community mission, or the development of a new consumer market.

Partnership building requires a team approach. Owners/managers, residents, and staff must be involved in identifying and soliciting partners. Owners and managers should take the lead by forming a steering committee, board of directors, or resident council that can form a partnership development plan and provide the labor needed to solicit and work with each partner. Center staff is essential for maintaining partnership contacts and identifying new sources of funding or support.

Partners are attracted to centers that are active in the community and have reliable staffs and a solid financial base. These qualities help assure partners that their contribution to a center is well invested.