Building Strong Relationships in Strategic Non-Profit Partnerships
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-strprtnclb-04
This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global
Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →
About the Article
The success of strategic partnerships in the non-profit sector relies heavily on the strength and quality of relationships among collaborating organizations. This article examines the key components of building and sustaining strong relationships, including trust, mutual respect, effective communication, regular engagement, formal agreements, and proactive conflict management. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from organizational behavior and collaborative governance, it analyzes how these principles contribute to partnership resilience, equity, and long-term impact. Practical examples, such as collaborations between non-profits and corporate sponsors or community-based initiatives, illustrate real-world application. Challenges including communication barriers, unclear roles, and conflict escalation are addressed, with evidence-based approaches offered for mitigation. The study provides actionable guidance for non-profit practitioners while contributing to academic understanding of relational dynamics that underpin successful and sustainable collaborations.
Key Topics
- Relationship management
- Trust
- Non-profit partnerships
- Collaboration
- Communication strategies
- Conflict resolution
- Sustainability
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Building Strong Relationships in Strategic Non-Profit Partnerships. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-strprtnclb-03
References
- Austin, J. E. (2000). The Collaboration Challenge: How Nonprofits and Businesses Succeed Through Strategic Alliances. Jossey-Bass.
- Bryson, J. M., Crosby, B. C., & Stone, M. M. (2015). Designing and implementing cross-sector collaborations: Needed and challenging. Public Administration Review, 75(5), 647-663. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.12432
- Das, T. K., & Teng, B.-S. (2001). Trust, control, and risk in strategic alliances: An integrated framework. Organization Studies, 22(2), 251-283. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840601222004
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/strategic-partnerships-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Community-Based Fundraising. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/community-based-fundraising-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Donor Cultivation for Major Gifts. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/donor-cultivation-major-gifts-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/corporate-partnerships-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Identifying potential partners in strategic non-profit collaborations. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-strprtnclb-03
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Collaborative project management in strategic non-profit partnerships. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-strprtnclb-05
- Pfeffer, J., & Salancik, G. R. (2003). The External Control of Organizations: A Resource Dependence Perspective. Stanford University Press.
- Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster. https://doi.org/10.1145/358916.361990
- UNDP. (2016). Partnerships for Development: A Guide to Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration. United Nations Development Programme.