here - Tamarack CCI

Keys to Success 9
The Ford Foundation’s Corporate Involvement Initiative found that there are at least five keys
to success in involving the business sector in social change initiatives.
Identify and motivate decision makers – Most social change initiatives can be traced to one or
more champions whose contributions were key to getting it started. This is also true in terms of
involving the business sector. Partnerships and collaborations are about relationships. It will be
important to identify one or more business champions and provide them with the information
and tools to bridge the public and private sectors. Typically it is preferable to develop those
champions at more than one level of the organization. The collaboration will be strengthened if
there are multiple motivations for engaging in it. A n opportunity that both provides a business
case and appeals to business leaders’ sense of civic duty is stronger than one that only provides
one of the motivations.
Develop organizational competencies to bridge business and community – Even among
business and non-profit leaders who share common objectives, both sectors can find it difficult
to communicate and negotiate effectively to achieve their common goals. There is often a
resistance on the part of non-profit leaders to become too familiar with the culture, language
and assumptions of the business sector. Some of this resistance comes from a lack of time or
inclination. Sometimes it also comes from a fear of becoming co-opted into a value system that
the non-profit sector rejects. But relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding. It
is critical that non-profits who wish to collaborate with businesses develop the ability to speak
business language. They can do this by hiring staff who have that background, by using board or
advisory committee members with competence in business, or by aligning themselves with more
experienced non-profit organizations who have already developed this skill set. Using business
case language for proposals and striving for win-win solutions are both helpful in designing
business/non-profit collaborations.
Mobilize business networks and build effective
relationships – Businesses are not just economic
constructs. They are networks of relationships between
individuals. Being able to develop a strong relationship
with a key opinion leader, and then using that as a
springboard to influence a larger network of businesses and
organizations, is key to expanding the impact of the social
change initiative.
Engage stakeholders and influence public policy – Quite
commonly there are public policy proposals that can make
it easier for business to engage with social transformation
initiatives. Tax breaks for locating in low-income
communities, training allowances for job seekers with
employment barriers, easing of zoning restrictions in older
neighbourhoods, preferred status for procurement
opportunities would all be examples. The stakeholders of
Partnership Success Factors 10
Clear outcomes
Clearly defined roles
Appropriate resources
Build internal support,
including champions
Share risk and rewards
High levels of communication
Respect each other’s expertise
Evaluate success
Recognize contributions and
celebrate achievements
~ From Canadian Businesses
for Social Responsibility
Collaborating with Business for Social Transformation
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