Mattessich and Monsey differentiate among the terms collaboration , coordination , and cooperation . Authority is determined by the collaboration structure. Cooperation , in contrast, is an informal relationship without a commonly defined mission, structure, or planning effort. Information is shared as needed, and authority is retained by each organization. Risks, resources and rewards are not shared.
Coordination falls in between the other two.
It involves somewhat formal relationships, with some planning, division of roles and understanding of compatible missions. Formal channels of communication are established. Individual organizations retain authority but share risk, resources, and rewards to an extent. These definitions suggest the elements of a working definition of community partnership .