Public-private partnerships for NGOs: how they work

Many of the biggest challenges, such as clean energy, health access and coastal protection, need more than one sector to solve. Public-private partnerships, often with NGOs involved, are one way to organise that.

What they are

A structured agreement in which public bodies, private companies and sometimes NGOs share responsibilities, resources and risks to deliver a service or a project.

What NGOs bring

Community trust, local knowledge, the ability to reach people others cannot and experience in monitoring social results.

What to agree early

• Each partner's role and decision rights.
• How money flows and who reports on it.
• How benefits are shared with communities.
• How disputes and changes will be handled.

Prepare your organisation

Strengthen your governance, financial controls and reporting before you enter. Partners will look closely at these.

Protect your mission

Keep your independence and your commitments to communities clear, and write them into the agreement.

Where to go next

Explore the 25 online courses at the NGO Leadership Academy and learn at your own pace.