New Report: Partnership Dynamics in Community Development Organizations

Community-based development organizations cannot work in isolation. The interconnected nature of community challenges requires them to collaborate. But the power structure of these partnerships can be inequitable. We commissioned ThirdSpace Action Lab to research how community developers can increase equity and balance in their partnerships.

The resulting report — Partnership Dynamics in Community-Based Development Organizations — includes the Equity Fit Screen for Partnerships. Use this tool to assess whether your partnerships advance racial equity, strengthen organizational sustainability, and benefit residents first.

Key Findings

• Partnerships form in response to critical needs, gaps, and opportunities.

• Resource scarcity acts as both a motivator and a barrier.

• Imbalanced power dynamics shape how partnerships unfold and affect project outcomes.

• True mutual benefit requires operational and financial alignment, strong infrastructure, and strategic discipline about where collective effort belongs.
  
  

Ready to Dig in?

• Start with the executive summary for a quick overview.
• Use the Equity Fit Screen Tool to assess and improve your own partnerships.
• Read the full report for the complete findings and case examples.
  

This study is part of our Grounding Values in Research program. It contributes to a broader conversation about how the community development field can build more equitable, resilient, and community-responsive systems.