Strategic Alliances

Strategic alliances can take many forms, and are known by many terms. An alliance may be an informal arrangement for sharing information and resources, strengthening policy initiatives, or increasing operational efficiency. Alternatively, an alliance may be a formal arrangement such as a joint venture, partnership, consolidation, or merger with nonprofit or for-profit entities. A nonprofit should carefully consider and understand all implications before entering into any kind of alliance. Informal and formal alliances can help to strengthen individual nonprofit capacity and the capacity of the sector as a whole. Nonprofits should also assess the viability of strategic alliances with public, private and charitable organizations prior to engaging in an alliance. Nonprofits should initiate and promote cooperation and coordination whenever feasible to maximize positive impact in the communities they serve

Excerpt from, Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Colorado.