Using Partnerships to Scale Impact: Government, Business and Community Allies

Learn how to build partnerships across sectors — with government, business, and community allies — that expand your reach and amplify your social impact

Why Partnerships Matter

The most impactful social enterprises rarely go it alone. Partnerships expand your capacity, credibility, and reach — allowing you to create systemic change rather than isolated outcomes.

Understand Shared Value

Effective partnerships are rooted in mutual benefit. When approaching potential allies:

• Government seeks measurable outcomes aligned with public policy.

• Businesses want authentic social impact and staff engagement opportunities.

• Community groups seek collaboration and resource sharing.
  Frame your pitch around how you can help them achieve their goals while advancing your mission.

Start with Relationships, Not Proposals

Partnerships grow from trust. Begin informally — share coffee, attend events, exchange ideas. People invest in people, not projects. Once trust is built, formal agreements naturally follow.

Define Roles and Expectations

When it’s time to formalize, create a simple Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining responsibilities, reporting, and shared success metrics. Clarity prevents conflict later.

Celebrate and Share Outcomes

Publicly acknowledging your partners through events, social media, and impact reports strengthens the relationship — and models collaboration for the wider community.