Benefits and complexities of working with corporate partners

Learning Objectives. To maximize the opportunities of NGO-Corporate partnerships, and be cognizant of potential challenges.

Background. The partnership model explored here exists between two US-based agencies: an international NGO and a corporate sector foundation. The International Center for Research on Women is using its research and evaluation expertise to support the Nike Foundation in measuring the impact of its philanthropic efforts. This strategic partnership furthers the mission of both ICRW and Nike Foundation by focusing on empowering girls in developing countries.

Design/Methods. To measure impact of the Nike Foundation's investments for empowering girls, ICRW: 1) Developed a measurement framework to assess impact of Nike-funded initiatives; 2) Designed an evaluation strategy. 3) Provides technical support to Nike Foundation grantees on measurement and evaluation approaches and methodologies. 4) Is building evidence on what works and why.

Results from this evolving partnership. Benefits: 1) Builds results-oriented thinking into program design. Responsiveness to corporate donors pushes us to explain our own investments in girls. 2) Makes financial and technical support available for monitoring and evaluating programs. 3) Gives access to corporate infrastructure and skills. Challenges: 4) Politics of working with corporate entities and NGO identity. Receiving funds from a corporate foundation can erode an NGO's credibility. 5) Same goal, different paradigms. Corporate foundations are often unfamiliar with complexity of development issues.

Partnership Impact. Professionals from different institutional cultures can collaborate effectively. The challenges keep us moving forward; we must constantly justify our approaches and make sense of our decisions to a committed non-expert audience.