Resources

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 clearinghouse 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-year 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 decision-making roles/time/evaluation formalized written formal links	shared leadership high trust level ideas/decision shared high level of communication

Margaret, I owe so much to you. Thank you for being the coach, mentor, and authoritarian I sometimes needed.

Marvin Smoot, MBA

Second time in two weeks that I read your articles AND took notes! Thanks for always providing a thoughtful perspective Michael.

Marla Meyer , CEO

Two of my FAVORITE people on the planet - you are both such a gift!

Angie Bakke , Chief Care Officer

Margaret, working with you as my coach was the turning point in my career. I will always be grateful.

marvin Smoot , President, CHI - ND/MN

Michael, you are a tremendous asset to the nonprofit sector worldwide.

Mark Blumberg , Canadian Charity and Non-profit Lawyer, Blumberg Segal LLP, Toronto

Michael...is a gifted nonprofit scholar who is able to translate abstract government requirements and new challenges for non-profit executives into concrete steps for nonprofit organization success.

William Anderson, PhD

I trust Michael as gifted counsel, enjoy his insight through collegial conversation, and hold him in the highest esteem.

Hugh Weber

Michael is one of the most professional nonprofit consultants I know, in how he stays up-to-date in his learning, his opinions and how he shares his knowledge with others.

Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD

Resources

Community Linkages:Targeting the Desired Linkage

Sumption & Wyland

Community Linkages:
Targeting the Desired Linkage