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Develop a Need and a Vision To view a sample partnership checklist, click here.	Key Questions: What needs will the partnership address? How will the partnership serve students? What are the key initiatives of state leaders and how do these relate to the needs for the partnership? What type of partnership will serve identified needs (within state entities, across states, with foundations or corporations)? Who should be involved? Who will be the driving force behind the partnership? Have the levels of endorsement and support needed for the success of the partnership been carefully considered?
Solicit Stakeholders and Potential Partners To view a sample SWOT analysis strategy, click here.	Key Questions: Does the culture of the organization embrace or encourage partnerships? What entities have similar interests and needs? Have prior relationships been established or do current relationships exist with entities that have similar interests? Who might be able to suggest partners? Who are prospective funders? How will each of the partners benefit? Will the return on investment be sufficient? Will the partnership contribute to achieving our goals of highest priority? Are the styles of leadership between partners compatible? Can the partnership be in-kind, personalized for the partner interest? How will potential partners be approached?
Establish a Trusting Relationship Built on Common Needs and Goals To view a sample "ask" letter, click here. To view a sample comprehensive advocacy piece to share with legislators and decision makers, click here.	Key Questions: What are the goals and needs of the partner? What are the goals and needs of the state? Is the partnership a "win-win" endeavor? Do all feel ownership? How will expectations for all be clearly set and documented? What will guarantee follow-through? How will the expertise of the different partners be leveraged to the fullest? Are all parties aware of potential risk factors (i.e. competing initiatives and parties, pitfalls)? Are there regulations or statutes governing each partner that might affect the goals of the project?
Create an Implementation and Partnership Plan To view sample project implementation plans, click here: Iowa Case Study Template	Key Questions: How will a common vision be created that meets the needs of all partners? Is the proposal in alignment with the needs and goals of all? How will specific roles and tasks of participants be assigned? Who needs to be on the team? Have timelines, roles, and responsibilities been established? How will the partnership be governed? How will decisions be made and who will be involved? Who will the partnership designate as the program facilitator for communication, monitoring roles and responsibilities, and setting timelines? What are the criteria for success? What will be the duration of the partnership? What types of mediation strategies will be employed to resolve conflicts if necessary? What steps will be taken for partners who fail to fulfill their obligations? What types of safeguards will be employed to protect the partnership if one of multiple partners drops out? What are the criteria for dissolution of the partnership? What steps have been identified to evaluate the success of the partnership?
Develop an RFP When Appropriate To view a sample RFP, click here.	Key Questions: How will the partnership be maintained? How will appropriate longevity be guaranteed? What resources (i.e. money and personnel) will each partner contribute?
Establish an External and Internal Communication Plan To view a sample communication plan, click here.	Key Questions: What are the communications specific to the project? Will a common language be used? How will background materials and research be provided? Who will provide this information? Are all members of the partnership involved in decision-making? How will status reports be given? Is there a balance between "not enough" and "too much" communication? What is the communication plan for external audiences (i.e. the press)? How will technology be used to facilitate communication?
Support the Partnership with Legal Documents	Key Questions: Are timelines developed and agreed upon? Are roles and responsibilities clearly understood? Are deliverables clearly stated? Has signed agreement been obtained? Are resources identified and documented? Are benchmarks clearly defined?
Reflect on and Rejuvenate the Partnership When Necessary	Key Questions: What are the steps for refocusing goals when necessary? How will project flexibility be maintained? Should a change management plan be implemented? Who is responsible for making changes? How will changes be communicated to stakeholders?
Evaluate the Success of the Project To view a sample evaluation survey and plan, click here: Collaboration Agreement Newsletter 1 Newsletter 2 Progress Report 1 Progress Report 2 Survey Sample
Key Questions: How will the partnership be continually evaluated and assessed? What have the partners learned? What will each do with this knowledge? Who owns the intellectual property rights? Who owns the data and how will it be reported and shared? Should the partnership continue? What are the steps for continuation? What steps will be taken if goals are not met? What are the consequences?