COLLABORATORS. Organizations or individuals who cooperate with your organization to support a particular activity or event or who cooperate intermittently when their short-term goals are aligned with or are the same as yours. Typically, collaborations do not involve formal agreements or arrangements. PARTNERS. Key organizations or individuals who are working in concert with your organization to achieve a common goal or improve performance. Typically, partnerships are formal arrangements for a specific aim or purpose,such as to achieve a strategic objective or deliver a specific product.Formal partnerships usually last for an extended period and involve a clear understanding of the partners’ individual and mutual roles and benefits. Definition From 2015-2016 Baldrige Excellence Framework