It is important to identify and then secure partnerships within your community. Schools and programs will certainly benefit from the support of outside organizations, local, and national businesses. These partnerships will better help your program meet the needs of the children and families who are relying on your program.
Before reaching out to organizations or businesses, be sure to do your homework and think about exactly what it is that you're looking for in a partnership. Identify what kind of assistance your program will need. Think outside the box - a partnership doesn't necessarily mean a strictly fiscal relationship. For example, a local printing business that is willing to print and distribute information about your program to better reach the community or a grocery store (does not have to be local to the school) that is willing to host a "one for one" donation drive on specific items (check out the Model & Adaptations page for ideas!). Another example would be a local deli or bakery that is willing to donate unsold food, if your program would have the ability to provide immediate distribution.
Once you are able to distinguish the needs of the school, it is best to look for partners that will take ownership of specific tasks or needs.
Be sure to research a variety of organizations and businesses - look in the "about us" sections of the potential partners web pages to see if they have similar values or have partnered with other organizations. Knowing a bit about the company, business, or organization shows the prospective partner that you've done your research.
For more information - visit the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service's tips for building partnerships, here.
Before reaching out to organizations or businesses, be sure to do your homework and think about exactly what it is that you're looking for in a partnership. Identify what kind of assistance your program will need. Think outside the box - a partnership doesn't necessarily mean a strictly fiscal relationship. For example, a local printing business that is willing to print and distribute information about your program to better reach the community or a grocery store (does not have to be local to the school) that is willing to host a "one for one" donation drive on specific items (check out the Model & Adaptations page for ideas!). Another example would be a local deli or bakery that is willing to donate unsold food, if your program would have the ability to provide immediate distribution.
Once you are able to distinguish the needs of the school, it is best to look for partners that will take ownership of specific tasks or needs.
Be sure to research a variety of organizations and businesses - look in the "about us" sections of the potential partners web pages to see if they have similar values or have partnered with other organizations. Knowing a bit about the company, business, or organization shows the prospective partner that you've done your research.
For more information - visit the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service's tips for building partnerships, here.