Analyzing Internal and External Partnerships

Partnerships are essential to ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the SPF planning process [1]. By sharing resources and benefiting from the unique knowledge and experience that different stakeholders bring, we can strengthen our prevention activities, work more effectively across multiple contexts [2], and achieve better outcomes.

Capacity for implementation depends on building successful coalitions and partnerships with agencies and individuals working in other domains or on related issues. The chart below helps to assess potential partners and explore opportunities for building these relationships. Once completed, you should be able to answer the following questions:

• What are your current external and internal partners?
• Which of these would you describe as your strongest partnerships and why?
• Where are your external and internal partnership gaps?
• With which sub-populations have you successfully built partnerships and with which sub-populations would you like to build stronger partnerships?
• What are your biggest partnership development challenges?

Partnership Analysis Chart

Developed under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies contract. Reference #HHSS277200800004C. For training and/or technical assistance purposes only.