Economic Crisis Calls for Closer Partnerships

It is no surprise that the global economic crisis has lightened the coffers of many nonprofits and human-rights organizations, but what does that impact really look like day-to-day?

For UUSC and its partners, the recession has meant reduced funding for many innovative projects that, in some cases, have been years in the making. It has also meant larger-than-usual need, with many partners seeing other funding sources dry up.

The situation is challenging, but because of the way UUSC approaches its human-rights work — through eye-to-eye partnerships, of which grant-funding is only a part — the work continues, albeit with a new balance between providing technical support and financial support.

Technical support, always a cornerstone of UUSC's eye-to-eye model, has become even more critical to fulfilling UUSC's mission. This support comes in a variety of forms, including co-strategizing, providing media and other communications support, introducing partners to each other as co-collaborators and allies, and organizing trainings and conferences with partner staff.

UUSC's technical support to partners has increased and evolved.

Technical support is always tailored to the partner. For instance, one partner might need support and guidance on how to write and submit a grant proposal to a foundation, to secure additional funding for a project. Another partner might have a board of directors or leadership team that needs guidance on how to navigate through the recession on a reduced operating budget.

"The key to providing successful technical support is ensuring that the support meets the specific needs of each partner," explained Patricia Jones, UUSC's manager for Environmental Justice.

So, while the amount of dollars going from UUSC to its partners has decreased, UUSC's technical support to partners has increased and evolved.

There is no one solution to surviving this financial crisis, but by continuing (and even strengthening) the working model of eye-to-eye partnerships, which is built on the concept of mutual respect and support, UUSC is helping its partners to bridge the gap in resources they now face.

The work of UUSC and its partners depends on you. If you are moved to give, please give generously.