TOP says it encourages “partnerships.” What exactly constitutes a partnership?
A partner is any organization or entity that is actually going to contribute materially to your project, either in the form of financial support, donations of equipment or personnel, or other resources. A partner takes an active role in the realizing of the project, and may receive benefits in return for whatever contribution it makes. Partnerships should be clearly defined, mutually beneficial, and the commitments (including both cash and in-kind contributions) well documented in the application. TOP recommends that your application contain letters of commitment from the partners describing in detail their roles and quantifying their contributions, or if you prefer, memoranda of understanding. TOP grantees repeatedly stress the importance of ensuring that you and your partners agree, and put in writing, what your roles will be. This not only generates project support and buy-in on the part of all stakeholders, but it provides a guide for implementation and a commitment by all parties
