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Partnerships

How-to Strategies

Building Effective Partnerships

  • Take time to build relationships with local groups and individuals who share your goals. Consider developing a written agreement between partners so roles and responsibilities are clear.
  • Know the purpose of each partnership—whether it’s about funding, training, shared facilities, mutual learning, referrals or evaluation.
  • Identify experts and partners who bring valuable skills or resources. Keep track of them in a simple database. This information is also helpful when writing a grant proposal, as many grants require partners to apply.
  • Bring in partners from different sectors and levels of government early in planning.
  • Be clear about partnership roles, contributions, and limits.
  • Create a standardized yet flexible framework for partnership development to ensure fairness and consistency.

Clear and Accessible Communication

  • Make sure your communications—online or otherwise—work for everyone, including persons with disabilities.
  • Collaborate with IT and communications teams to meet accessibility standards.
  • Keep information straightforward and updated regularly.
  • Share messages through multiple channels—web, social media, print, word of mouth, radio, or trusted community networks.
  • See Area of Practice: Communication for more tips.

Engaging the Community

  • Involve persons with disabilities directly in program planning, delivery, and review.
  • Invite disability organizations and recreation groups to help shape policy.
  • Develop community champions who can inspire others to participate.
  • Check in regularly with partners to keep collaboration strong and aligned.

Measuring and Sustaining Success

  • Evaluate how well partnerships enhance participation and overall community impact.
  • See Area of Practice: Evaluation for more tips.
  • Use evaluation results to refine programs and support long-term growth and funding.