It has become common practice for nonprofits and corporations to partner in a variety of ways. One could involve a corporation sponsoring a nonprofit event. Another kind of partnership could involve co-creation of a product line specific to that partnership. According to Mark Kramer’s recent article, “Catalytic Philanthropy” in the Stanford Social Innovation Review (Fall 2009), it’s not only beneficial but absolutely necessary for the two sectors to collaborate, leveraging all available resources, in order to achieve the next generation of long-term social impact. 

The Obama Administration has signaled that partnerships are a key component of our foreign policy.   President Obama said in a speech at the Clinton Global Initiative on September 22nd, “Today’s threats demand new partnerships across sectors and across societies—creative collaborations to achieve what no one can accomplish alone.