PART
NERSHIPS W
ITH R
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PARTNERSHIPS ARE GOOD
• They multiply the reach of your church
• They provide opportunities that the Church could/should not do alone
• They provide good stewardship of resources
• They expose people to needs in the community
• They position the Church as a serving organization
NOT ALL PARTNERSHIPS ARE HEALTHY
• They place the resources of the Church at risk (people and $)
• They endanger the credibility and reputation of the Church and its mission
• They may be unequal in responsibility and accountability
• They may damage capacity by creating dependency
• They may not yield measurable results
• They may not be sustainable
WHAT A CHURCH SHOULD SEEK IN A HEALTHY PARTNERSHIP• Is the Organization Legal?
Minimal
• 501(C)3 Designation Letter
WHAT A CHURCH SHOULD SEEK IN A HEALTHY PARTNERSHIP• Is the Organization Legal?
Minimal
• 501(C)3 Designation Letter
• Recently reviewed By-laws
• Functioning Board of Directors
• Financially Viable
VET AND VERIFY• Check out the organization of Guidestar
• www.guidestar.org
• Better Business Bureau
• State Attorney General
• United Way
Optimal
• Webpage • 501(C)3 designation letter, EIN• Annual Report• Recent IRS form 990• Board of Directors List
• Names, address, professions
• Recent board meeting minutes
• Recently Audited Financial Statement (RAFS)
IS THE ORGANIZATION FINANCIALLY VIABLE?• RAFS
• At least 50% of income derived LOCALLY
• Reasonable “mix “ of income sources
• Giving USA Foundation• The Center on Philanthropy at Unive
rsity of Indiana
IS THE ORGANIZATION FINANCIALLY VIABLE?• RAFS
• At least 50% of income derived LOCALLY
• Reasonable “mix “ of income sources
• Do their fundraising practices conform to the AFP Code of Ethics?
IS THE ORGANIZATION FINANCIALLY VIABLE?• RAFS
• At least 50% of income derived LOCALLY
• Reasonable “mix “ of income sources
• Do their fundraising practices conform to the AFP Code of Ethics?
• Do they provide their funders with the “Donor Bill of Rights”?
IS THE ORGANIZATION FINANCIALLY VIABLE?• RAFS
• At least 50% of income derived LOCALLY
• Reasonable “mix “ of income sources
• Do their fundraising practices conform to the AFP Code of Ethics?
• Do they provide their funders with the “Donor Bill of Rights”?
IS THE ORGANIZATION FUNCTIONAL?
• Do they possess a Strategic Plan?• Is your Partnership in it?
• Does the organization employ ethical professional/credentialed leaders?
• Are they doing what their MISSION and VISION statements say they are doing?
• Is there REAL EVIDENCE of their service?• Can you identify satisfied clients?
• Do they have a MEASURABLE impact?• Can they prove it?
IS THE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER FRIENDLY?• Do they have credentialed leadership?
• CVA• CVHA• CAN
• Do they have a designated person on staff (paid or unpaid) responsible for Volunteer success?
• Does the organization provide TAFERR for all unpaid staff?
• Do they work with the Church to ensure that TAFERR is in place for each person?
• Do they TRACK* volunteer involvement?
• Do they provide your church with their tracking documents?
TRACKING, RECORDING, REPORTING
* Does your church Database enable you to identify WHO is serving WHERE and WHEN, doing WHAT at any given time?
IS THE ORGANIZATION SAFE?
• Do they provide LIABILITY insurance for persons volunteering with their organization?
• Is it adequate for the number of persons serving?
• Do they have DIRECTORS’ and OFFICERS’ insurance in force?
• Is there a documented agreement on liability?
SAFETY
• Does the organization provide SEXUAL HARASSMENT training on a consistent basis?
• Have all PAID staff of the organization been subject to BACKGROUND checks, screening and Sexual Harassment training?
• Does the organization have specific training and policies regarding safety and “due care” for “vulnerable populations”,
• i.e., Persons under 18, persons over 65, persons w/ disabilities, persons w/ substance abuse issues?
SAFETY
• Does the organization provide enough STAFF to provide adequate SAFETY training and OVERSIGHT?
• Does the organization have an established “non-discrimination” policy in place? Will your church need to adhere to the policy?
• Does the organization adhere to ADA Guidelines?
• Does the organization value diversity? Does it possess a “Diversity Statement”?
CLOSING THOUGHTS
1. For the safety of your church and the credibility of the Mission, ASK QUESTIONS and EXPECT Documented Responses!
2. Select a FEW strategic partners rather than multiple partners that are not fully vetted.
3. If your church views a particular organization as a STRATEGIC POTENTIAL Partnership, work with the Organizational Leadership to MOVE them toward meeting YOUR Criteria.
4. Be a “capacity-builder” Church.
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