Building on NACU’s SPA initiative, the Strategic Partnerships Hub is a centralized resource portal designed to help NACU institutions build stronger, more sustainable futures through collaboration. The Hub provides funding, tools, and expert guidance to advance strategic alliances, mergers, and innovative partnerships. By equipping campuses to navigate financial and academic challenges or seize bold opportunities for growth, it empowers institutions to thrive through affiliation, innovation, and shared strength as they reimagine their essential role in the future of higher education.

We are pleased to have received funding from the Transformational Partnerships Fund, which provides support for institutions of higher education to explore student-centric partnerships.

PROJECT PHASES

Phase One: Templates, Legal Frameworks, and Partnership Protocols

• A comprehensive library of adaptable, downloadable templates and resources to guide partnership planning and execution.
• A structured playbook outlining key engagement protocols and sample partnership scenarios designed to improve academic and operational outcomes.

Phase Two: Identification of Vetted Experts and Providers

• A curated directory of trusted third-party experts and service providers with deep experience in strategic partnerships, creative enterprise, and institutional transformation.

Phase Three: Subsidized Access to Expert Services

• Clear guidelines and eligibility criteria for subsidized access to expert support.
• Application materials and documentation for the review and approval process.
• Outcome reports to assess impact, measure results, and continuously refine support offerings.