17 Resources to Share with Community Partners That Aren’t Money
In the realm of community partnership and network building, the value exchanged between organizations extends far beyond monetary transactions. Yet when most people hear the word ‘resources’ that’s immediately what comes to mind.
The strength of a partnership often lies in the diverse resources and forms of support that partners can offer each other, fostering a richer, more resilient, and collaborative ecosystem.
Here, we explore 17 invaluable resources that can be shared within networks to enhance mutual trust, collaboration, and collective impact—without focusing on financial contributions.
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Sharing with Partners
In community partnerships, sharing resources is about more than just money—it’s about working together for greater success. When organizations share resources like knowledge, tools, and connections, they build trust and strengthen their relationships. This approach leads to more effective collaboration, where everyone can achieve more by working together.
Sharing resources helps avoid wasted efforts on duplicated tasks, encourages new ideas and solutions, and makes it easier to adapt to changes. It also opens up new opportunities by connecting partners with each other’s networks. This way of working together not only benefits the organizations involved but also the wider community, making it stronger and more resilient.
As we explore 17 valuable non-monetary resources that can be shared, we’ll see how each one helps to build a more collaborative and impactful network.
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17 Resources to Share Besides Funding
If you don’t have access to funding to share with partners, fear not. You can probably share a number of the resources below, which are just as valuable to the right partner.
1. Information
Sharing timely and relevant information is foundational for informed decision-making and strategic planning. This can include sharing industry news, insights on community needs, and updates on regulatory changes that affect how partners operate within the ecosystem.
2. Expertise
The provision of specialized knowledge or skills can significantly uplift the capacity of community partners. This could range from offering strategic advice, technical know-how, or sharing best practices in governance and operations.
3. Software
Access to digital tools and platforms, like PARTNER CPRM, can empower partners to streamline their operations, enhance data analysis, and improve communication and collaboration across the network.
4. Connections
Introducing partners to new contacts, networks, and potential collaborators can open up opportunities for growth, shared projects, and new resources, enriching the community ecosystem as a whole.
5. Opportunities
Sharing opportunities for collaborative grants, projects, or community initiatives can not only leverage collective strengths but also align efforts towards shared goals, enhancing the impact of the network’s activities.
6. Volunteers
Mobilizing volunteers to support partners’ initiatives can provide invaluable human resources, fostering a sense of shared purpose and community solidarity.
7. Physical Space
Offering space for meetings, events, or coworking can facilitate deeper collaboration and partnership by providing a physical hub for interaction, brainstorming, and networking.
8. Cultural Knowledge
Sharing insights and knowledge about cultural practices, values, and norms can enhance understanding and respect among diverse partners, fostering an inclusive and supportive network environment.
9. Facilitation Skills
Offering facilitation services for workshops, meetings, or strategic planning sessions can help partners navigate complex discussions, foster consensus, and strategize more effectively.
10. Feedback
Providing constructive feedback and critical insights can help partners refine their strategies, improve their services, and innovate, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
11. Capacity Building
Facilitating access to training programs and development workshops can enhance the organizational capacity of partners, equipping them with the skills to manage their projects more effectively and sustainably.
12. Research & Data
Sharing research findings, data analyses, and insights can empower partners with evidence-based frameworks for action, enabling them to tailor their interventions and measure their impact more accurately.
13. Policy Support
Providing guidance on navigating policy landscapes or advocating for policy changes can bolster the collective ability of partners to effect systemic change, enhancing the network’s influence on public affairs.
14. In-kind Services
Offering non-monetary resources such as professional services (legal, financial, technical), equipment, or materials can support partners in operational needs, reducing their overheads and enabling them to allocate more resources towards mission-critical activities.
15. Involvement
Engaging partners in decision-making processes, strategy development, and program design can enhance ownership and alignment across the network, ensuring that initiatives are more responsive to the collective needs and aspirations.
16. Influence
Leveraging the collective voice and influence of the network to champion causes, advocate for community needs, and influence public opinion can amplify the reach and impact of advocacy efforts.
17. Peer Support
Creating platforms for peer exchange, support groups, or mentorship programs can provide emotional support, enhance learning, and foster a sense of community among partners, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the network.
Map and Manage Shared Community Resources with PARTNER CPRM
PARTNER CPRM offers detailed insights into your network’s structure and dynamics, enabling you to identify key resources and the best ways to mobilize them towards your shared goals. Whether it’s expertise, tools, or connections, PARTNER CPRM provides the data you need to ensure resources are used effectively, making your network stronger and more impactful.
Enhance your network management and collaboration by discovering what PARTNER CPRM can do for you. Request a demo today and see firsthand how it can help you map and leverage your network’s resources.
Click here to take the first step towards a more connected and resourceful community network with PARTNER CPRM.
Alex is Director of Marketing & Communications at Visible Network Labs. His interests include public policy, environmental conservation, and the intersection of grassroots advocacy and digital communication strategies.
