Partnerships between not-for-profit organisations and health promotion: exploring critical issues through an organisational typology

The partnerships approach has been part of a broader transition in public health focus from service-delivery to a community-based paradigm. In particular, the focus on communities and community-level action has meant that not-for-profit organisations (also referred to as `community-based organisations?) have been targeted for partnerships to promote health. However, limited attention has been given within the public health literature to describing and understanding the not-for-profit sector, its functions or the challenges it faces in creating social change and community action. To assist in building this understanding, we have developed a typology of Australian not-for-profit organisations. The typology outlines four `ideal types? of not-for-profit organisations, distinguishable through their differing relationships with community groups and government. We then discuss how these four types of organisations are likely to contribute to health. In using this heuristic device, researchers and practitioners can gain a better understanding of not-for-profit organisations and the challenges they face. This understanding can form the basis of more respectful partnerships between public health and not-for-profit organisations.