Sustained Collaboration Fund
Sustained
Collaboration
Fund
Exploratory Grant
The NSI exploratory grant is designed for organizations ready to move into structured discussions aimed at developing a strategic partnership. Organizations and leadership that receive NSI funds are not committing to a specific outcome, but rather to enter into good faith negotiations. The goal is to ensure that organizations have every opportunity to thoroughly explore all issues associated with a strategic partnership and to reach an informed decision that best serves their mission and how they service the community.
For grant administrative purposes, potential partners will submit a joint application. One organization will be identified as the lead applicant and the other organization(s) as the partner(s). The lead applicant organization receives a grant for the partners to collectively hire a consultant of their choice, who supports the exploration, due diligence, and negotiation of issues associated with the form of partnership being pursued.
The lead applicant organization must include a copy of a proposed consulting contract from consultant(s) identified by the participating organizations. Your selected consultant must have previous experience in facilitating strategic restructuring negotiations. You are not required to use a consultant from the NSI consultant roster, but it is intended to serve as a resource for those seeking an experienced facilitator. The contract should include:
- Proposed scope of work.
- Project work plan/timeline.
- Project budget/payment schedule.
Each of the applicant partners must also submit a board resolution signed by the board secretary or chair indicating that the board has agreed to enter into good faith negotiations of a strategic partnership. A sample resolution is provided with this application. Exploratory Grants typically range between $20,000 – $40,000. The funds are designated towards the cost of engaging third-party consultants to support a thoughtful exploratory process.
Required Attachments
- Copy of a signed board resolution by the board secretary or board chair from each of the participating organizations
- Copy of consultant proposal(s)
- Completed project budget
NSI Sustained Collaborations Fund Eligibility
To be eligible for NSI funding, the lead applicant organization must be based in and/or primarily serving Los Angeles County. Collaborations must involve at least two organizations that have 501(c)(3) status or are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Exceptions may be considered under the following conditions:
- The applicant has demonstrated services, programs, and activities for at least two years.
- The applicant is not incorporated as a for-profit business entity.
- The applicant is organized on behalf of a specific cultural community.
The applicant has a proven track record of having a decision-making structure and/or a well-established organizational culture.
Even with exceptions, at least one of the collaborating organizations must have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
93%
of survey respondents felt hiring a third party consultant facilitator was either “important” or “essential” to their process
- Time to devote to the process
- Internal clarity of participating organizations
- Honest, upfront conversations among participating leaders
- A process that builds trust
- Previous experience working together
- Compatible cultures and values
- Clear understanding of what to expect from the exploratory process