Partner onboarding checklist
Get a checklist for onboarding a new partner, from due diligence to the first 90 days, with a due date for each step. Choose the kind of partner and answer three questions; tick steps off and add your own.
Onboarding many partners? In Advancer.World each step becomes a task the partner completes, and you see who has done what. Try it free in Advancer.World
Sending this to partners by e-mail? In Advancer.World each partner fills it in online, in their own language, and you see every answer in one place. Start free
How to onboard a new partner well
The first 90 days set the tone of a partnership. A partner who knows from the start what is expected, who to call and how reporting works will need far less chasing later, and will trust you more.
Do the checks that protect people and funds before you sign, in proportion to the risk: a partner that will handle your funds or work with children needs more than a coalition member who will share your messages. Then put the essentials in writing: money, reporting, safeguarding, data and how the partner's work will be credited.
After the kick-off, keep the first steps small and concrete: a check-in call after a month, a first report you review together, an introduction to other partners. End the onboarding by asking the partner what could have been better, and improve the checklist for the next one.
Onboard every partner the same way, without the e-mails
In Advancer.World your onboarding steps become the first stage of the program. Each partner sees its tasks, uploads its documents and signs agreements online, and you see who is ready and who is stuck.
- Tasks, document requests and surveys for each step
- Agreements signed online with an e-signature
- A clear view of every partner's onboarding
Free for up to 5 partners. No card needed.
What should a partner onboarding process include?
Due diligence in proportion to the risk, a written agreement, a kick-off with both teams, access to the tools and templates, safeguarding and reporting arrangements, and a few check-ins in the first months.
How long does onboarding take?
This checklist starts three weeks before the start date and ends 90 days after it. A coalition member can be onboarded in days; an implementing partner that handles funds needs the whole period.
Can I add my own steps?
Yes. Each phase has a field to add steps, and you can tick steps off as you go. Your checklist stays in this browser and can be downloaded as Excel.
Does it replace our due diligence policy?
No. It is a practical checklist that we wrote. Follow your organization's policy and your donors' requirements, which may ask for more.
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