Partnerships begin with listening
A useful collaboration starts with a clear community need and an honest conversation about what each partner can contribute.
At a glance
- Describe the need before the proposed solution.
- Be specific about each partner’s contribution.
- Clarify expectations before making commitments.
Describe the purpose clearly
A partnership enquiry is easier to assess when it begins with the people and the issue involved. Explain where you work, who you hope to reach and what a useful collaboration would help clarify or improve.
ASIF’s focus areas include civic education, leadership, livelihoods, inclusion and digital innovation. Identify the relevant area, but leave room for the team to explain which activities and capacities are currently available.
Make the practical details visible
Describe the resources, expertise, time or access your organisation can contribute. Be equally clear about the support you are requesting. A short proposal can be more useful than a broad statement of shared ambition.
Include a proposed timeframe, contact person and any practical or accessibility requirements. If there are uncertainties, name them. An exploratory discussion should help both sides understand whether there is a useful next step.
Treat a conversation as a beginning
An initial enquiry is not a partnership agreement. Confirm responsibilities, approval steps and any use of names, photographs or materials before announcing a collaboration.
Use the partnership enquiry template to organise your thoughts, then contact ASIF with a focused introduction. Ask what additional information the team needs to continue the discussion.
About this explainer: written for this website from ASIF’s programme descriptions. It is an introduction, not an official report, policy document or independently verified account of results. Check current programme details with ASIF.