COLLABORATION:
GAINING PARTNERS, SUPPORT
AND COMMITMENT FOR THE
GRANT PROJECT
Partnership Development
Some general transferable principles:
Partnerships must have authority, i.e. president,
dean, chair
There will be more financial audits with partners
than without.
The private corporations are more sensitive to
ownership of products and intellectual property.
Corporations want to know why, how, and see
creativity now. Will fund R&D, product
development.
Partnership Development
Some general transferable principles:
Partnerships lead to new projects and new grant
proposals
Partnerships may develop faster because of
successful history of partnerships with other
entities
Partnerships take time
Public/private partnerships must have
knowledgeable leaders, experienced participants,
strong academicians, and strong decision makers
involved all the way
Partnerships on paper only are not considered
valid – show evidence, i.e. articles, projects
Feasibility Study
Although not a requirement, a feasibility
study reveals perceptions, preferences,
and needs and is particularly valuable in
identifying the organizational goals that
have a the strongest pull on prospective
members.
NCAN (National College Access Network)
recommends focus groups.
Use the study result for planning/budget
Longevity of Partnerships
Corporations want long-range partnerships
that evolve into more projects over time.
Institution should plan for change and
growth in the partnership.
Build on previous successful partnerships
Organize events that the partners want to
attend
Memorandum of Agreement
State the mission of the partnership
Provide a strong communication plan for the
partnership
State roles and responsibilities of all partners
Advisory Board membership
Provide a summary statement of
sustainability upon completion of the
program
Timeliness
Corporate partners want to see what you
have done for them yesterday.
Schools and agencies tend to resist change.
Flexibility, meeting real needs in practical
ways insures continuation of partnership and
satisfaction of partner.
Spend time on evaluation
Creativity
Creativity is necessary.
Decisive action is necessary.
Do your brainstorming in private, not in
front of partner.
Some Potential Partners
Colleagues – Same Area or Interdisciplinary
College/University Departments
Local Education Agencies
State Department of Education, State Agencies,
i.e. OCAST
Business and Industry
Faith-Based Organizations, i.e. Churches
Community Based Organizations, i.e. Chamber
of Commerce, Scouts
Other Colleges/Universities
Sample Partnerships
(Redlands Community College)
Mercy Hospital and RCC LPN to RN
Program
– Mercy came to Redlands to ask for
partnership after being turned down by others
– Program is very user friendly
– Grant proposal written to meet Mercy and
RCC needs
– Partner provided clinical space, scholarships
for students, incumbent workers, allowed
other students into program onsite
– RCC helped Mercy obtain accreditation
Mercy Partnership Results
– High pass rate
– Diverse employee/student body
– Accreditation
– Status and recognition
– Flexibility and accomplishment for students
DeLaval Partnership for Grade A Goat
Dairy Program
– President Devane and Vice President Coggins
approached the company with the request – risk
taking
– International corporation as partner with sites in
Spain, France, using Internet II and wireless
connectivity with OneNet
- Long-term relationship evolving to meet other
needs
National Sheep Industry Center
Improvement – Meeting Market
Needs of Goat Consumers
– Formed from a friendship with a faculty
member and a feed company employee
– Company came to RCC, RCC turned them
down and suggested something else, and the
company agreed.
– Long-range partnership evolving into other
projects.
COLLABORATION
Valuable in resources, creativity, results
Expensive in time, energy
May accomplish more together than any
partner could alone
Win-win: for partners and for funding
agency