When partnering with a variety of organizations, it’s important to get to know any organizations you haven’t worked with before to determine that your values and goals align. With existing partners, circumstances can change and interests around specific causes can deviate. Always check in with each partner around any joint venture before committing. Finally, evaluate if the endeavor is a priority for you or if it will be a distraction before committing.

One thing I found that helps with conflict of interests with Organizations is really getting to know everyone’s interest and how every organization can meet half way to be able to help each other even if we might not agree. Everything starts from the first contact conversation, if we can agree and have a common ground it what we are striving for then we are not a good fit for the organization.

Clarity of the objectives and unambiguous lines of communication. Advance knowledge of the issues involved. Comparison with the main objectives and possibility of alignment with overlapping tasks. Knowing about new projects and their direct or indirect connections with the main role and depth of the relationship.

One thing I have found useful for me in some cases, is having an independent party oversee partnerships to ensure that decisions are made based on the best interests of the organization and not influenced by personal interests.

While partnering with multiple local organisations , the conflict of interest could be managed by keeping in mind certain principles : 1. Establishing an agreement/ MoU with the consent of both parties on the terms and conditions for partnership 2. Clear statements/ clause on : Duration of validity and termination of contract should be made. 3. Policy for amendments and dispute resolution must be developed at the same time. 4. All signatory accountability and responsibility should be clear at the beginning of partnership. 5 Lastly, if mutual conversation will not resolve the Conflict Of Interest, then either of the parties can approach law and enforcement. Thank you @ Dr Jarina 🙏

What is helpful for me is having a clear understanding of my organizations role. Having a shared understanding of the overall project goal helps to set up a strong foundation of trust. Equity of power for everyone at the table contributes to the key of reducing friction. Establishing clear shared values around responsibilities also contributes to Equity.

To add to Mike T.'s comment below, research the leadership's background and personal engagements to ensure alignment with your mission. From my experience on a college foundation board, transparency matters. Students want to understand funding sources and organizational connections. Check for negative press, consult your network, and review how a potential partnership fits your strategic plan. Consider starting as an affiliate if full alignment isn't immediate, leaving room for future collaboration. Clarify mutual benefits—these aren't always financial (i.e., increasing visibility). Streamline partnership evaluation with clear processes and accessible forms, ensuring your team understands the criteria for potential collaborations.

First, you need to have the same common goal. Second, you have to have confidence in your partners capabilities, and their intentions. Third, everyone has to agree that all organizations have certain things their stakeholders value, and they need to be respected. Fourth, if the top three items are realized, the relationship should be productive.

Clear policies for sure but nothing is more important than organizational and leadership integrity. Make certain that you choose to work with leaders who have integrity. It's rarer than one would think. People often use mission to mask their lack of integrity. Make sure you know and then trust the integrity of those with whom you partner.

Even when partners are working toward the same goal, open communication and a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities are crucial. Each partner has a vested stake in the outcome, and success comes when organizations understand how they can best contribute to overall effort.