Alumni Association Partnership Memorandum of Understanding

What a good one includes

• A clear statement of the shared mission and specific objectives of the partnership to keep both organizations spiritually and operationally aligned.
• A detailed breakdown of roles and responsibilities, outlining exactly which organization manages logistics, volunteer coordination, and outreach.
• Explicit terms regarding the sharing of resources, facilities, and financial contributions, including who covers specific event costs or manages scholarship funds.
• Designated primary contacts for both the alumni association and the partner organization to ensure smooth, consistent communication.
• A clear timeline detailing the start date, end date, and a simple process for reviewing or renewing the partnership annually.
• Guidelines on how alumni contact information and donor data will be shared, stored, and protected to maintain community trust.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming verbal agreements or handshake deals are enough to prevent misunderstandings when coordinating complex community events or managing funds.
• Failing to define a clear process for resolving disagreements, which can strain relationships and damage community trust if conflicts arise.
• Neglecting to include an exit clause that allows either party to gracefully end the partnership if organizational priorities or values shift.
• Overlooking the boundaries of university policies, which can accidentally violate school rules regarding off-campus fundraising or religious gatherings.

Frequently asked questions