alliance for nonprofit management conference august 3, 2:15-5:15 collaboration track emil w....
TRANSCRIPT
Alliance for Nonprofit Management Conference
August 3, 2:15-5:15Collaboration Track
Emil W. [email protected]
www.ccgpartnership.com612-926-0122
Forming Alliances: Ways to Support NPOsin Working Together to Achieve Mutual Goals
Based on…
Forming Alliances: Working Together to Achieve Mutual
Goals
Authors: Linda Hoskins and Emil Angelica
Published by Fieldstone Alliance, Inc.
Agenda
Introductions Questions/Challenges The “Alliance Continuum” When smaller is better The process Tools You Can Use
Exercise:
• What Questions Do You Have?• Challenges Would You Like Us To
Discuss?
Define Alliance
An alliance is a relationship between partners that is strategically formed to
• accomplish goals• benefit the community• strengthen the partners
The Alliance Continuum
Cooperation Coordination Collaboration
LowerIntensity
HigherIntensity
The “Intensity” of Alliances
Cooperation
shorter-term, informal relationships
shared information only
separate goals, resources and structures
Coordination
longer-term effort around a project or task
some planning and division of roles
some shared resources, rewards and risk
Collaboration
more durable and pervasive relationships
new structure with commitment to common goals
all partners contribute resources and share rewards & leadership
Concerns in Collaborations
Expensive
Slow to start-up
Loss of control
Damage to reputation
Loss of opportunity
The “Intensity” of Alliances
Cooperation
shorter-term, informal relationships
shared information only
separate goals, resources and structures
Coordination
longer-term effort around a project or task
some planning and division of roles
some shared resources, rewards and risk
Collaboration
more durable and pervasive relationships
new structure with commitment to common goals
all partners contribute resources and share rewards & leadership
Benefits of Lower Intensity Increased control and resources Lower risk and fewer resources
required Can test out relationship building Can do more of them at one time Quick to start up
Exercise: Alliances you have known
• Identify some alliances in which you have been engaged
• Using the Alliance Chart (page 2), plot them and consider if they were the right level to accomplish the desired outcome
Alliance Process Flow
Framing and FormalizingWith Partners
ImplementationWith Partners
Idea GenerationIndividually
Steps in Forming An Alliance
Step 1Clarify the
Purpose
Step 2Identify and
Recruit Partners
Step 3Frame the
Alliance
Step 4Formalize the
Structure & Plan
Step 5Implement and Manage
Range of Roles in Alliances
Convener
Facilitator
Fiscal Agent
Funder
Initiator
Project Manager
Step 1. Clarify the purpose
Begin by answering the following questions (page 4):
1. If we only had ______, we could ________.
2. What do we have to offer a partner?
3. What role will we play?
Consultant Role
• Get involved more at the front end:– Back office alliance– Joint trainings– Joint planning
• Raise alliance as a strategy• Play a role in brainstorming• Don’t give up easily
Step 2. Identify and recruit partners (page 5)
Who might be interested in the concept?
Who needs what we can offer? Who has the skills, capabilities,
or assets we need? Who should we work with for
political or resources reasons?
Consultant Role
• Serve as a broker between partners
• Help participants engage with potential funder if appropriate
• Find ways to demonstrate benefits
• Support leadership in taking risks
Step 3. Frame the Alliance
Begin the conversation with partners in these areas: (Worksheet 1: page 6)
History of the idea and possible mission or purpose
Two or three key outcomes First steps or strategies Resources Possible show stoppers
Consultant Role
• Bring new ideas to the table– Intersection of missions– New look at target population
• Provide ways to think about new strategies/models– Move away from one-to-one– Use technology to move toward
one-to-one– Provide for follow-along
Step 4. Formalize the Structure
Formalize the structure with: Timeframe Decision making Communications Stakeholders Draft budget
Consultant Role
• Make certain that the intensity level is right for the project
• Err on the side of less is better especially if this is a first for the partners
• Help think through a budget that makes sense
Step 5. Implement and Manage Develop a work plan Schedule regular partner meetings Evaluate outcomes periodically Listen to and act on community
input Celebrate successes!
Consultant Role
• Look for quick/little successes• Stay connected to help coach at
the beginning• Help them get feedback
Check-in and Adjourn
? What are the 1-2 major learnings that you are taking away from this session?
? How are you going to apply your ideas?
? Suggestions for our next training?
Alliance for Nonprofit Management Conference
August 3, 2:15-5:15Collaboration Track
Emil W. [email protected]
www.ccgpartnership.com612-926-0122
Forming Alliances: Ways to Support NPOsin Working Together to Achieve Mutual Goals