Community Linkages:
Targeting the Desired Linkage
The following table gives a brief outline of the key elements in various types of linkages a nonprofit might employ to maximize effectiveness and leverage resources.
The table is adapted from community-building training presented in 1997 by South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service/National Network for Collaborations.
| Levels | Purpose | Structure | Process |
| Networking | dialog clearing house base of support | non-hierarchical flexible link roles loosely defined | informal leaders minimal decisions little conflict informal communication |
| Cooperation or Alliance | needs/resources coordinated low duplication tasks acknowledged | few people serve communication hub roles defined links advisory group leverages | facilitative leaders complex decisions some conflict formal communication |
| Coordination or Partnership | shared merged resource base to create something new | core people serve as decision makers roles defined links formalized new developed | issue-focused leaders group decision-making communication is frequent and clear |
| Coalition | ideas shared resources realigned-three commitment | shared decisions roles/time defined written linkages new resources and merged budget | shared leadership communication is common and prioritized |
| Collaboration | shared vision interdependent system | consensus of all in making-roles/time/evaluation formalized written formal links | shared leadership high trust level ideas/decision shared high level of communication |