One way to establish a partnership with a community organization is to develop a written agreement, known as a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The purpose of an MOU is to establish a written agreement between two or more organizations. The MOU defines each party’s roles, responsibilities, and desired outcomes. A well-written MOU lays a foundation for successful partnerships by clearly outlining everyone’s expectations. It describes what each organization will contribute to the partnership and how they will work together.

For example, an MOU between a Head Start program and a local Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will explain how the two organizations will share information, refer families to the other program, provide professional development for each other’s staff, provide nutrition education for families, and partner to conduct health and nutrition screening.

Unlike a contract, however, an MOU is not a legally binding document or a legally enforceable agreement. Health managers should consult with their director and other program leaders to determine the most appropriate type of agreement for health and behavioral health partners.

Tips and Strategies for Writing an MOU

• Identify the parties that will collaborate in the agreement as well as their roles and responsibilities.
• Describe the purpose and desired outcomes of the MOU.
• List the activities that each organization commits to undertake.
• Include additional terms and conditions as appropriate, such as protecting the confidentiality of program families.
• Establish the time frame that the MOU will be in force and a process for evaluating your progress.
• Sign and date the document.

Learn More

• Read Enhancing Participant-Centered Services Between the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Head Start Programs to learn more about MOUs with nutrition organizations.
• Watch Identifying and Addressing Maternal Depression to explore opportunities to develop MOUs with mental health agencies that may be able to set up a referral process with your program.
• Review Materials to Hire a Consultant to find a sample MOU and contract for Head Start administrators hiring a mental health consultant.
• Explore Sample Memorandum of Understanding Between Head Start and Domestic Violence Programs to learn how Head Start programs and domestic violence agencies can use an MOU to establish and sustain partnerships.

Last Updated: August 8, 2024