Seeking a partner
The Soros foundations need to be realistic at the outset of collaboration about the agendas, strengths, and working realities of potential donor partners. A perfect partner in theory - one who shares your objectives and has resources - may not be an ideal partner in practice. Some partners, even with the best of intentions, may promise more than they can deliver. Some donors are more interested in being recognised for their own distinct contribution than in collaboration. It is therefore important to assess what the partner can offer and whether it can deliver on its commitments.
The most effective partnership contacts are developed locally, around a common purpose or specific task. Formal, top-down donor coordination events rarely yield direct collaboration and joint funding commitments. For these donor contacts to be effective, there needs to be interest and follow-up by working-level staff on the ground. The rapport and trust between staff of the Soros foundations and the donor partner can make or break the building of a partnership.
There are various tactics for first contacts with potential donor partners. Personal contact is usually more effective than written appeals. Personal contact followed promptly by correspondence and documentation often works well. When approaching potential partners, foundation staff should be aware of other contacts, partnerships, or proposals from the Soros foundations with that donor.
Regional coordinators of the Soros foundations may be able to assist with introductions and contacts with donors based outside your country, as well as the regional or international offices of donors that are active in your country. They can also be asked to help you obtain information on how the donor partner makes program and funding decisions. With few exceptions, the larger and more bureaucratic the partner organization, the longer the time interval between the first contact and a partnership commitment.
In identifying your partner(s) and the structure of the partnership, you should consider the following:
These factors should be considered when you are identifying a partner and when a donor is approaching you. Other donors will have the same questions about the Soros foundations as a prospective partner.
Do you and your partner(s) agree on a common goal or objective? Do you share common values in your work? If not, can you accept or integrate a diversity in working styles? What is motivating your partner(s) to collaborate?
Do you and your partner(s) trust and respect each other, or must you earn one another's trust and respect? To what extent is your partner known locally and to your foundation? What is at stake in associating yourself with this partner?
What can your partner(s) deliver? How well-established is the partner in your country? How secure is your partner's core funding? Does your partner have a track record of delivery in your country and in the area of interest? What do you know about the management and staffing of your partner's organization?
Is your partner(s) ready to move ahead with the partnership? Is there consensus in your partner's organization about what it will deliver? Does the staff have the necessary approval from managers, boards, headquarters, or governments? If not, how long will it take to obtain approval? Can the partner(s) deliver on its commitment with existing organizational capacity, or will the organization need time to expand or mobilize? Is your partner realistic about its readiness to deliver?
What resources can your partner(s) contribute to the partnership? Are these resources financial or in-kind contributions? What is the source of these resources? Have the resources been formally committed to the partnership? When will the resources be available and for how long?
Do you or your partner(s) have expectations about whether there will be a lead partner or coordinator? If so, which partner is expected to lead or coordinate the collaboration? Does the capacity to lead or coordinate already exist in one of the partners' organizations, or should it be developed?
Is there a fit between you, your partner(s), and what you each bring to the partnership? What will be the relationship among the partners in terms of timing of funding and implementation, levels of resource commitment, and geographic coverage? What is the most appropriate arrangement for the partnership? Are you and your partner(s) driven by what you are able to supply rather than by the needs of the initiative or partnership? To what extent are you and your partner(s) dependent on one another's contributions? Do you and your partner(s) need to seek additional partners to fill gaps?
