Why Social Screening Matters in Nonprofit Partnerships and Funding
Finding the right partners and funders for a nonprofit is about more than just securing financial support—it’s about protecting the organization’s mission, values, and long-term integrity. Not all funding is good funding, and not all partnerships are beneficial in the long run. That’s why social screening is a critical process for evaluating potential collaborators before engaging with them.
This guide provides a framework for nonprofits to implement a social screening process, helping organizations establish partnerships that align with their purpose and ethical standards.
Step 1: Establish Clear Criteria Based on Values & Strategic Goals
Before evaluating potential funders or partners, nonprofits should first clarify what they stand for and what they need in a partnership. Establishing well-defined criteria ensures that every decision aligns with the organization’s mission and long-term vision.
1. Define Core Organizational Values
A nonprofit’s values serve as a guiding compass for decision-making. Consider:
What principles are non-negotiable? (e.g., transparency, community empowerment, faith-based commitment, innovation)
What role do these values play in funding and partnership decisions?
How should partnerships reflect and reinforce these values?
Documenting these values in an internal policy or strategic plan ensures alignment across leadership and staff.
2. Identify Strategic Goals for Partnerships & Funding
Not all funding or partnerships serve the same purpose. Clearly defining what the organization needs helps filter opportunities effectively. Consider:
Financial Goals – How much funding is needed to sustain and grow programs?
Programmatic Goals – Are partnerships needed to expand services, enhance expertise, or increase capacity?
Reputation & Influence – How can partnerships elevate the nonprofit’s credibility and reach?
Aligning funding and collaborations with these strategic goals helps organizations focus on long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
3. Establish Decision-Making Criteria
Developing a structured rubric or checklist ensures objectivity in evaluating partnerships. Consider scoring or ranking potential funders/partners based on:
Alignment with the nonprofit’s mission and values
Track record of ethical philanthropy or business practices
Willingness to engage in collaborative, long-term impact
Flexibility in funding terms (e.g., unrestricted vs. highly restricted grants)
Reputation among peer nonprofits and stakeholders
Having a standardized process prevents decision-making from being reactive or inconsistent.
4. Determine Internal Roles & Responsibilities
Who within the nonprofit should be involved in funding and partnership decisions? Consider:
Board of Directors – Provides oversight on high-level partnerships and large funding sources.
Executive Leadership – Ensures alignment with strategic goals and organizational direction.
Development & Program Teams – Assess how funding impacts operations and community impact.
Clarifying roles prevents bottlenecks and ensures accountability in the decision-making process.
Step 2: Conduct Research on Potential Funders & Partners
Once internal criteria are established, nonprofits should conduct thorough research to ensure compatibility with potential funders and partners. Strategies include:
Reviewing Public Records & Giving History
Use resources like GuideStar, Charity Navigator, or Candid for insights into financials and funding priorities.
Assess whether they fund projects that align with the nonprofit’s mission and impact areas.
Identify any red flags, such as affiliations with organizations known for controversial or harmful practices.
Analyzing Public Statements & Social Presence
Review websites, press releases, and social media channels to assess their stance on key issues.
Determine whether they actively support causes aligned with the nonprofit’s mission.
Look for inconsistencies between their stated values and actual impact.
Examining Existing Partnerships
Investigate past and current partnerships to see if they align with the nonprofit’s values.
Check if they have worked with organizations that contradict the nonprofit’s ethical stance.
Step 3: Have Values-Based Conversations
Before formalizing any partnership or accepting funding, nonprofits should have a direct conversation with potential funders or partners. Asking the right questions can clarify alignment and commitment:
"Can you tell me about a time you partnered with a nonprofit that really aligned with your values?"
"How do you decide which organizations to support? What matters most in those decisions?"
"If a nonprofit had concerns about how funding might impact their work, how would you handle that conversation?"
These conversations provide insight into the authenticity of a potential collaborator and their willingness to engage in ethical, long-term relationships.
Step 4: Navigating Power Dynamics & Managing Gray Areas
Not all funders will be a perfect match, and nonprofits may feel pressure to accept funding even when concerns arise. Here’s how to navigate that tension:
Acknowledge the Power Imbalance – Many funders hold significant influence, but nonprofits have the power to set boundaries and advocate for ethical funding practices.
Identify Red Flags vs. Growth Areas – Not every past misstep should disqualify a funder. Consider:
Have they demonstrated real efforts to improve?
Do they welcome feedback and show willingness to adapt?
Develop a Decision Matrix – If a funder aligns in some ways but raises concerns in others, use a structured framework to weigh the risks and benefits. Example criteria:
Mission Alignment (High/Medium/Low)
History of Ethical Practices (Good/Needs Improvement/Problematic)
Level of Transparency (High/Moderate/Low)
Step 5: Ongoing Accountability & Partnership Reviews
A funder or partner that seems aligned today might shift focus over time. Nonprofits should:
Conduct Periodic Reviews –
Annually assess key funders to ensure they still align with the nonprofit’s mission.
Reevaluate multi-year partnerships before renewal.
Have an Exit Strategy –
If a partner’s values shift in a way that contradicts the nonprofit’s mission, what’s the plan to step away gracefully?
Outline clear terms for disengagement to protect organizational integrity.
Keep Communication Open –
If concerns arise, consider a conversation before cutting ties. Some funders may be open to change if given constructive feedback.
Final Thoughts: Funding with Integrity
A well-structured social screening process safeguards nonprofits from misaligned partnerships and ensures that funding sources uphold their mission and values. While this level of diligence requires extra effort, the long-term benefits—stronger credibility, mission-driven growth, and transformative partnerships—far outweigh the risks.
By being intentional about partnerships and funding sources, nonprofits are not just securing financial resources—they are reinforcing their commitment to integrity, ethical impact, and long-term change.
Does your nonprofit have a social screening process in place? What lessons have you learned? I’d love for you to email me and share your thoughts!