Assessment for Strategic Partnership Continuum
This 15-question assessment helps nonprofit leaders evaluate where their partnership falls on DYCD’s Strategic Partnership Continuum, which includes co-exisitng, networking, coordinating, cooperating, and collaborating. Each question requires reflection on specific partnership attributes. Leaders should rate their partnership on a scale of 1 to 5:1 = Not at all, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often, 5 = Always.
General Understanding and Alignment
1. Do all partners have a clear and shared understanding of the partnership's purpose?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
2. Have you identified common goals that align with the mission of all participating organizations?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
3. Are roles and responsibilities within the partnership clearly defined and agreed upon?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
Networking Attributes
4. Do partners engage in regular communication to exchange information and stay updated about each other’s work?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
5. Does the partnership provide opportunities for informal relationship building, such as attending events or sharing resources?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
Coordinating Attributes
6. Are specific activities or initiatives jointly planned with timelines, task assignments, and milestones?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
7. Is there a system in place to manage shared resources (e.g., funding, tools, or staff) efficiently?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
8. Are regular check-ins or updates conducted to monitor progress and address challenges collaboratively?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
Cooperating Attributes
9. Do partners actively share resources (e.g., expertise, funding, tools) to achieve mutual goals?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
10. Is there trust among partners to rely on one another for support and expertise in areas of need?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
11. Do partners work together on specific projects that benefit both parties while maintaining independent operations?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
Collaborating Attributes
12. Are decisions made collectively, with input and consensus from all partners?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
13. Do partners share accountability for outcomes, including successes and failures?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
14. Is there a sense of mutual investment in achieving long-term, transformative change together?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
15. Have you established formal agreements, such as memorandums of understanding (MOUs) or shared governance structures, to guide the partnership?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
Always
5
1 is Not at all, 5 is Always
Submit
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