Funder Collaboration Toolkit
Use our practical tools, resources and templates to help you plan, build and steward your funder collaboration.

Find a tool to help you collaborate
- The toolkit is structured around the key steps and phases of a new funder collaboration - laying the foundations, building the structure, stewarding the collaboration.
- It's not intended as a linear guide to follow strictly. Many of the tools will be more relevant at different stages depending on your collaboration, and you may wish to revisit some of them from time to time to review and update. That said, for those wanting a place to start, the toolkit can function as a rough pathway for the kind of questions and activities that are needed at different stages.
- Complete the tools together. While each tool is designed to stand alone, many build on one another and will complement each other when used together.
- Each tool contains a set of icons that let you know roughly how long each activity should take in total, how many people its designed for, and which other tools it works particularly well with.
- Make a copy of each tool so you can edit and work in it directly.
01. The Pathfinder
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
To map out the key steps you need to take.
Go to resource02. The Navigator
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
To find out what other funders are working on.
Go to resource03. The Articulator
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
To articulate the case for collaboration.
Go to resource04. The Landscape Mapper
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
To develop a list of potential funder partners.
Go to resource05. The Engagement Pack
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
Foundation stage
To reach out beyond existing relationships and networks.
Go to resource06. The Meeting Planner
Building stage
Building stage
Building stage
To plan and convene your first group meetings together.
Go to resource07. The Purpose Crafter
Building stage
Building stage
Building stage
To develop a shared purpose for your collaboration.
Go to resource08. The Role Definer
Building stage
Building stage
Building stage
To define roles and responsibilities within a collaborative effort.
Go to resource09. The Collaboration Charter
Building stage
Building stage
Building stage
To develop a bespoke agreement for your collaboration.
Go to resource10. The Top Tips
Stewarding stage
Stewarding stage
Stewarding stage
To learn from funders about how to manage collaborations well.
Go to resource11. The Health Check
Stewarding stage
Stewarding stage
Stewarding stage
To assess how you are doing as a collaboration.
Go to resource12. The Library
Stewarding stage
Stewarding stage
Stewarding stage
To find additional resources and reading about best practice.
Go to resource