Kristian Darigan, VP of cause marketing of Cone, Inc. says that her firm often relies on a “Partnership Bill of Rights” when inaugurating partnerships between companies and nonprofits. These rules often help steer the relationship toward smooth sailing rather than rough waters.
For companies, you ask your nonprofit partner to:
-Value you as a partner in achieving your shared mission
-Work together to drive positive social and business impacts
-Build a relationship with you as a key member of your team
-Respect and protect the integrity of your brand
-Recognize your capabilities and capitalize on them
-Remain open to creating new solutions to shared challenges
-Cultivate direct and constructive communication
-Publicly recognize your commitment and societal impact
-Establish realistic expectations and deadlines
-Give you the tools and information you need to be successful
And as a nonprofit partner, you ask your corporate partners to:
-Value you as a partner in achieving your shared mission
-Work together to drive positive social and business impacts
-Strive to build a relationship that exceeds your expectations
-Respect and protect the integrity of your brand
-Engage you in ongoing, meaningful and honest dialogue
-Share responsibility for the success of your relationship
-Provide you with a talented, creative and experienced team
-Do what it takes to meet your key objectives
-Set realistic expectations and deadlines
-Publicly recognize your commitment