RWWidera Consulting brings experience and a proven track record of success in helping board members, staff and volunteers take their non-profit organizations to new heights.

Our strategic approach to fundraising, public/private partnerships and program development is reflected in our capital campaign management, planning and feasibility studies, operational assessments and all services – each one focused on helping our clients reach their full potential.

In all areas of life, work, love, and play, our partnerships make us stronger even as they constantly challenge us. Though circumstances differ greatly there are a few “rules of engagement” that always apply. The Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Never leave on an angry note. Take time to appreciate your differences as well as celebrate your similarities. These are a few behaviors that can keep your partnerships remaining healthy and vibrant.

The arena of Public/Private Partnerships is no different, and it can help to understand some specific rules and how they apply to the different cultures we work with. As you consider the future of your relationship with the person sitting across the table from you here are some things to consider:

1. Be honest about money. Ensuring total transparency in your fiscal planning and reporting is the greatest way to instill trust. For Governmental Agency (GA) partners this means disclosing how funds are expensed, who has the authority over different funds and how is or will that authority be used. For Non-Profit (NP) partners this means being clear on your capacity to sustain a program or complete a project. Sometimes the problem can be as simple as semantics as in the word “Budget” itself. For the GA a budget often means “a bucket you empty.” Each fiscal year the GA manager gets a budget allocation and the expectation is that they will use this over the following 12 months. For the NP manager a budget is “a bucket you fill.” Each fiscal year you plan for the funds that you think you can raise. The difference is not subtle.