Practical Tips for Establishing Partnerships With Academic Researchers: A Resource Guide for Community-Based Organizations

Background: Research exists on strategies for successful conduct of community-based participatory research (CBPR). Unfortunately, few published resources are available to advise community-based organizations (CBOs) on prepara- tion for and engagement in CBPR. Objectives: We aimed to create a resource for CBOs that describes how an organization can prepare for and partici- pate in CBPR. Methods: We used a case study approach of one CBO with a decade-long history of collaboration with academic researchers. We identified lessons learned through a retro- spective review of organizational records and the documenta- tion of experiences by CBO leadership and research partners. The findings were then labeled according to CBPR Partner - ship Readiness Model dimensions. Lessons Learned: The review of CBO documents and key informant interviews yielded ten practical tips to increase organizational readiness for and engagement in CBPR. Conclusions: By understanding the best practices for orga- nizational readiness for and participation in CPBR, CBOs will be better equipped to actively participate in community- academic partnerships.