Reflections on Collaboration between Nonprofit organizations and Universities: the Junior Chamber International Seinäjoki and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences

Abstract

Collaboration between organizations is no strange option in strategic planning, even between an NPO and a university. In fact, there has been successful partnerships between a nonprofit organization and a university in many countries. This study aims to find a benchmark for setting up a partnership between a local NPO chapter and its local university of applied sciences. Through researching, a collaboration strategy and an initial plan is proposed for the local NPO and the university to implement, along side with the evaluation aspects to be considered. While it will not cover the whole progress of the collaboration, a theoretical strategy framework and a sample plan is created for both parties to implement. The study will include an empirical research in expectations and demands from the local young workforce and the NPO members as well as the university students towards the collaboration. This is to have an insight into the needs from perspectives of both sides, making sure the collaboration can reach the same mutual objectives.