Memorandum of Understanding for Faith-Based Partnerships

What a good one includes

• A dedicated section outlining the spiritual or civic purpose of the partnership and how both organizations' values align.
• A clear breakdown of who provides physical spaces, equipment, volunteers, and financial funding for the joint initiative.
• Explicit guidelines on which rooms are being used, the specific hours of access, and who handles cleanup and security.
• A transparent plan for how shared expenses like utilities, insurance, or supply costs will be calculated and paid.
• A clause requiring both parties to maintain appropriate insurance coverage and detailing how liability is shared for activities on the premises.
• A structured, faith-honoring process for regular check-ins and a peaceful path to resolve any disagreements that arise during the partnership.
• A specified duration for the agreement and a simple, graceful process for either party to exit the partnership with adequate notice.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying solely on shared faith or good intentions to resolve logistical details, which inevitably leads to confusion over daily responsibilities.
• Failing to explicitly document who is responsible for background checks, key access, and securing the facilities after hours.
• Leaving out a clear process for ending the partnership, which can turn a natural conclusion of a program into a source of community conflict.
• Forgetting to verify if the shared activities comply with local property zoning codes or your governing denominational guidelines.

Frequently asked questions