Partnership and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Template (Microsoft Word)
This is a professionally drafted Word template for universities, government agencies, NGOs, development partners and other institutions. It records the terms of a partnership or collaboration in a formal Memorandum of Understanding. It contains: Cover page naming both parties, plus a one-page Summary of Key Terms for decision-makers. Parties and recitals: who the parties are, and “whereas” clauses explaining why they are partnering. 18 numbered articles: Purpose and objectives Definitions Areas and forms of cooperation Roles and responsibilities of each party Governance through a Joint Coordination Committee Financial arrangements Monitoring, evaluation and reporting Publicity and use of logos Intellectual property Confidentiality and data protection Safeguarding, ethics and anti-corruption Non-exclusivity Liability Legal status, stating which clauses are binding Dispute resolution Duration, amendment, renewal and termination Notices Entire understanding Signature page: blocks for both parties’ signatures, with witnesses and official stamps. Annexes: a Joint Work Plan with indicators, focal persons and contacts, and indicative contributions from each party. Each page footer has space for both parties to initial. The template helps organisations set up clear, balanced and accountable partnerships quickly. How to use: Identify the parties: replace all text in [square brackets] with each party’s full legal name, registration details, address, representative and short name. Define the partnership: complete the recitals, purpose, objectives, areas of cooperation and each party’s roles and responsibilities. Adjust the clauses: Edit or delete articles that don’t apply. Set the duration, notice period and dispute resolution method. Confirm which articles are legally binding (Article 14). Complete the annexes: fill in the Joint Work Plan, focal persons and contributions. Any transfer of money, assets or personal data should go in a separate binding agreement. Fill in the summary: complete the Summary of Key Terms last so it matches the articles, then delete the guidance box. Review and approve: have each party’s legal adviser and management review the draft, and agree final changes. Sign and implement: print two originals, initial every page, and sign with witnesses and official stamps. Then set up the Joint Coordination Committee and review progress against the work plan.