Types of Partners
Universities and Academic Institutions: Focus on institutions with strong sustainability programs, research centers, and innovation hubs. Identify scholars and research groups working on issues relevant to your project (e.g., climate change, social equity, sustainable technology).
NGOs and Nonprofits: Look for non-governmental organizations aligned with your sustainability goals. These could be local advocacy groups, global development agencies, or environmental charities. NGOs can provide critical expertise, a network of local contacts, or even act as funders.
Government Agencies: Research public sector partners—local, regional, national, or international—that work on relevant policy areas such as climate action, poverty reduction, clean energy, or sustainable urban development.
Industry Partners (Businesses and Corporations): Identify companies that have a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) focus or are leaders in green innovation. These businesses may offer technical expertise, funding, or strategic support. Look into impact investors, B Corps, or other mission-driven enterprises.
Experts, Advisors, and Mentors: These individuals may come from academia, think tanks, consultancies, or industry, and their role is to provide critical advice, guidance, and validation.
Potential Sponsors/Funders: Research funding sources, including impact investors, venture capital funds, philanthropic foundations, or corporate sponsorships that support sustainability innovation. Also, consider grant opportunities from government bodies or international development organizations.
By Function
NGOs (funding, local insights, community engagement)
Academic Institutions (expert input, research capacity, access
to students and labs for R&D support)
Government Agencies (policy support, regulatory compliance, grants)
Industry Partners (know-how, technology, in-kind contributions, supply chains, co-funding)
Advisors and Experts (expertise, network/intro, thought leaders and strategic guides/
market validation, scaling, and sustainability metrics)
Mutual Benefits
Visibility for sustainability credentials
A platform supporting cutting-edge innovation
Access to new markets, consumer segments
Collaborative R&D opportunities
Co-branding, shared impact (storytelling), PR
Value in supporting sustainable development – in terms of brand alignment, scientific contribution, policy influence
Access to talent
Learning, development, growth, innovation
Tiers
Core partners – beneficiaries, funders, communities, academia, advisors
Strategic partners
Advisors consultants
Wider network
Example partners
1. Universities and Academic Institutions
| Partner Category | Institution/Organization Name | Sustainability Focus | Role in Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Institutions | UU – Co-Creation Lab (or similar) | Transdisciplinary research, workshops, training | Co-creation, Research collaboration, co-hosting innovation workshops |
| Academic Institutions | UCL | Climate change, social entrepreneurship, tech research, social impact, sustainable business models, NGOs | Co-creation, Research collaboration, co-hosting innovation workshops |
| Academic Institutions | University of Cambridge – Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) – or siimlar | Climate change, social impact, sustainable business models | Research collaboration, co-hosting innovation workshops |
| Academic Institutions | Stanford University – Woods Institute for the Environment – or similar | Sustainable energy, climate resilience, ecosystem services | Research support, scientific validation, access to environmental data |
| Academic Institutions | University of Cape Town – African Climate and Development Initiative – – or similar | Climate adaptation, sustainable development in the Global South | Regional expertise, research collaboration, policy advisory |
| Academic Institutions | Technical University of Denmark (DTU) | Clean energy, renewable tech innovation, life-cycle analysis | Technology development, co-creation on sustainable solutions |
2. NGOs and Nonprofits
| Partner Category | Institution/Organization Name | Sustainability Focus | Role in Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGOs | WWF (World Wildlife Fund) | Conservation, climate change, biodiversity protection | Expertise in environmental conservation, funding opportunities, joint advocacy campaigns |
| NGOs | Greenpeace International | Climate justice, renewable energy transition, sustainable agriculture | Global advocacy, media outreach, sustainability advisory |
| NGOs | The Ellen MacArthur Foundation | Circular economy, sustainable business practices | Research, educational resources, funding for circular initiatives |
| NGOs | Global Footprint Network | Ecological sustainability, carbon footprint reduction | Data and metrics on sustainability, policy research support |
3. Government Agencies
| Partner Category | Institution/Organization Name | Sustainability Focus | Role in Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Agencies | UN Environment Programme (UNEP) | Environmental policy, biodiversity, and climate action | Policy advice, funding opportunities, global expertise |
| Government Agencies | European Commission – Directorate-General for Environment | Environmental policy, circular economy, climate change mitigation | Policy development, regulatory alignment, funding for EU-based projects |
| Government Agencies | US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | Clean energy, environmental protection, sustainability initiatives | Regulatory advice, research partnerships, grant opportunities |
| Government Agencies | German Federal Ministry for the Environment | Climate action, renewable energy, international development | Policy partnerships, funding for sustainable innovations |
4. Industry Partners (Businesses and Corporations)
| Partner Category | Institution/Organization Name | Sustainability Focus | Role in Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporations | Patagonia | Sustainable consumer products, environmental activism | Strategic partner for sustainable product development and marketing |
| Corporations | Tesla | Renewable energy, electric vehicles, clean transportation | Technical expertise, R&D collaboration, sustainable innovation |
| Corporations | Unilever | Sustainable sourcing, circular economy, social responsibility | Supply chain sustainability, co-branding on sustainable initiatives |
| Corporations | Google – Sustainability Initiative | Data-driven environmental solutions, renewable energy | Technology expertise, access to data for sustainability innovation |
5. Experts, Advisors, and Mentors
| Partner Category | Institution/Organization Name | Sustainability Focus | Role in Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experts | Amory Lovins – Rocky Mountain Institute | Energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure | Thought leadership, advisory on energy innovation |
| Experts | Kate Raworth – Doughnut Economics Action Lab | Social and ecological justice, circular economy | Economic frameworks for sustainability, advisory and thought leadership |
| Experts | Christiana Figueres – Global Optimism | Climate diplomacy, sustainability advocacy | Climate action advisory, strategic input on global sustainability goals |
6. Potential Sponsors/Funders
| Partner Category | Institution/Organization Name | Sustainability Focus | Role in Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funders | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Global development, poverty alleviation, climate adaptation | Grant opportunities, funding for innovation |
| Funders | The Rockefeller Foundation | Climate resilience, renewable energy, inclusive economies | Funding, strategic partnerships for social and climate impact |
| Funders | Acumen | Impact investing, poverty alleviation, clean energy | Funding and support for social enterprises |
| Funders | Breakthrough Energy Ventures | Clean energy, sustainable technology | Investment in sustainable tech solutions, R&D support for innovation |