Lessons from Cross-Sector Partnerships in China

A recent article by Brooke Avory, a manager in the global Partnership Development team at Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), focused on tricks of the trade for developing partnerships between NGOs and corporations. The article suggests that in a country like China where the nonprofit sector is relatively young and limited by a lack of talent and funding, the opportunities for symbiotic relationships between businesses and NGOs can be especially fruitful. Together, the sectors can leverage funding, technical expertise, issue-based knowledge, and outreach strategies to have a impact on the success of organizations and on larger social issues.

Avory offers three key practices that those considering cross-sector partnerships should take note of: identifying a partner with complementary resources, investing time in understanding your partner's organizational culture, and establishing governance and accountability mechanisms.

Read the full article for more information about each of these practices and how they were used in a variety of partnerships in China.

Check out these related GrantCraft guides: Working with the Business Sector, Working with Government, and Working with Start-Ups.