Examine collaboration opportunities, and build capacity to work strategically and effectively in collaboration.

COLLABORATION

In an environment where funding is increasingly linked to the ability to work in collaboration, non-profit organizations find themselves committing to collaborations — on the fly — without taking the time to make thoughtful and informed decisions.

Heather Graham offers practical processes, tools and templates that support organizations to work effectively in collaboration:

  • Build awareness about what authentic collaboration means
  • Examine your experience with collaboration to date
  • Create an inventory of the type of collaborations you are currently investing in
  • Establish criteria to assess the value of existing and potential collaboration
  • Identify collaborations/alliances that align with your strategic priorities
  • Negotiate clear collaboration agreements with significant partners
  • Support staff to develop the skills required to build effective collaboration
  • Develop collaborative funding proposals with partners to leverage expertise and resources

Past Projects include:

  • ‘A Resource Guide for Hospital-Community Collaboration’ (with The University of Toronto on a grant from Change Foundation/Healthcare, Technology and Place Funding Alliance)
  • Report for The Wellesley Institute on ‘Service Delivery Collaboration in Toronto’
  • Report for the Ontario Trillium Foundation on ‘Strengthening Collaboration in Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Sector (key trends, opportunities and challenges in collaboration with recommendations for strengthening OTF’s support of collaborative practice)
  • Report for the Ontario Nonprofit Network on ‘Building Collaboration in and with the Nonprofit Sector’
  • On-line resource for the Ontario Community Support Association called “Collaboration Coach” (www.collaborationcoach.ca)
  • Collaboration Toolkit & Training for the United Way Toronto
  • Exploration of Collaboration Options for Community Legal Education Ontario
  • Community Collaboration Framework and Policy for Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto), Bluewater Health (Sarnia), and numerous community-based agencies
  • Collaboration/partnership development support for various Community Hubs across the Province
  • Collaboration Capacity Building Workshops for the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Nurses Association, Northumberland County, United Way Toronto, Toronto Neighbourhood Centres, Food Banks Canada, and City of Hamilton (Early Years Organizing Structure)
  • Collaboration Webinars for United Way Centraide, and the Ontario Coalition of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)
  • Development of collaborative funding proposals for Toronto Neighbourhood Centres, and numerous community-based collaborations

TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with Heather for a number of years on a variety of collaboration projects and have truly appreciated her thoughtful approach to achieving the desired goal. She works diligently towards meeting the agreed upon objective and does that in a way that is inclusive and respectful of all perspectives.”

Lidia Monaco, Director Capacity Building and Integration, Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services
Project Coordinator, Toronto Neighbourhood Centre’s Corsortium Bidding Project

 

“Heather Graham facilitated a workshop on collaboration for the 12 partner agencies currently offering services at Bathurst-Finch Hub. Heather’s workshop was comprehensive and explored Authentic Collaboration through various activities and discussions. Partners were most impressed by the breadth of topics covered and the tangible next steps identified and captured by Heather’s approach. We look forward to Heather’s continued support and facilitation as we work to strengthen our partnerships and work collaboratively.

Michelle-Ann Hylton, Hub and Satellite Manager, Unison Health and Community Services, Bathurst-Finch Hub

 

I was so impressed with work that Heather did for my previous organization that I contracted her again to work with a group of diverse service providers to develop the Dorset Park HUB.  Heather and I worked closely for almost two years and I never ceased to be struck by her level of competence.  Most recently I became involved in the development of the Waterloo HUB and recommended that she facilitate the development of the collaboration.  To suggest Heather did outstanding work would be an understatement.  The participating agencies were absolutely delighted by the road map she helped them develop, and we hope that in the coming months she will be prepared to work with us again on our journey.’  

Gael Gilbert, Executive Director, Supportive Housing of Waterloo;
Formerly Executive Director, Agincourt Community Services Association