The Strategic Alliance Partnership, facilitated by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in forming effective collaborations to enhance efficiency and service delivery in the Toledo area. This initiative is focused on helping nonprofits achieve economies of scale, strengthen management and infrastructure, and develop comprehensive strategies to address systemic community issues. Funding is available for feasibility studies, technical or professional assistance, and board or staff training related to collaboration efforts. However, funding does not cover replacement of staff positions, isolated organizational improvements, or expenses incurred before grant agreements are signed.
The initiative's purpose is to encourage collaborative approaches that result in cost savings, improved service delivery, and strengthened nonprofit capacity. Priority is given to proposals that leverage partnerships to enhance community systems such as education, employment, housing, and health. Successful applicants must demonstrate a history of providing quality services, possess the organizational capacity to carry out the proposed project, and secure support from the boards and staff of all participating organizations.
Eligible uses of funding include consultancy for organizational mergers, development of shared administrative services, information technology integration for shared operations, creation of coordinated communication systems, and implementation of joint staffing arrangements. Ineligible activities include those targeting individual organizational capacity without collaboration or initiating entirely new programs. The process involves a two-step application procedure starting with a letter of intent and followed by an invitation-only full proposal.
To apply, organizations must submit a detailed letter of intent specifying the collaboration's scope, partner roles, requested support, and anticipated outcomes. If invited, full proposals must include a purpose and need statement, detailed implementation and evaluation plans, and a comprehensive project budget. Supporting documents like board lists, tax-exemption verification, and financial statements are also required. Applicants must articulate how the alliance will improve operational efficiency or service quality and quantify projected cost savings or benefits.
Evaluation criteria focus on the feasibility, sustainability, and potential replicability of the proposed collaborations. Successful projects should demonstrate a clear impact on service delivery and include robust plans for measuring outcomes. Applications are reviewed by a steering committee comprising Foundation representatives and community partners. Deadlines for submission are February 15 for letters of intent and March 20 for full proposals. Pre-application meetings are encouraged to refine proposals.
For assistance or to discuss potential submissions, applicants can contact Patrick Johnston, Vice President of Community Investments at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, through the provided contact details.
