Partnerships Public and private partnerships-on the local, consortia, and national level-play an integral role in the success of individual centers, consortia, and the Neighborhood Networks Initiative by contributing to center sustainability. Partnerships can vary in length and scope, ranging from organizing a single event to multi-year agreements to train and place residents in jobs.

The opportunities for partnerships with Neighborhood Networks are limitless: Consortia partnerships are established between Neighborhood Networks regional consortia and regional or national public or private organizations. Through these alliances, individual centers across the country can easily access products and services negotiated between consortia and a regional or national partner.

Becoming a Partner

Partnerships are forged between an organization and HUD's Neighborhood Networks center or consortium. Centers and consortia nationwide can access the partnership based on eligibility and interest. Read the partnerships criteria for information about requirements.

Local and consortia partnerships are one-on-one relationships between a business, government agency, or organization, and a center or group of centers that may have formed a consortium. Potential partners can explore partnership possibilities by contacting centers directly using the Find a Center search tool or by contacting HUD's Neighborhood Networks Coordinators to investigate opportunities for partnerships in a particular region.

By working with Neighborhood Networks, partners can actively participate in the effort to bring computer access to disadvantaged communities. For centers and consortia, cultivating partnerships provides access to experience, tools, and technology that can increase sustainability and community building.

The Atlantis Community Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia is a partner of Reaching Our Community (ROC), a community-based organization focused on providing programs, services, and funding that target families. Together, Atlantis and ROC have launched several successful programs that provide workforce assistance and entrepreneurial guidance. With Virginia Tech, the partners launched the Healthy Homes/Households pilot program that taught aspiring entrepreneurs the house cleaning and hotel cleaning business, ranging from developing a business plan to securing a start-up loan. From this program, six graduates received jobs in the hotel industry. The center is planning to host this program again in spring 2010 with a focus on another industry.

For more information on successful partnerships, visit our Success Story Archive.

Partnerships Resources

Neighborhood Networks has a variety of resources available to centers to assist them in partnership development. Learn what you can do to create winning partnerships.