> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.virtuous.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Becoming a Partner > How to apply to the Virtuous Partner Program, what we review, what to expect after approval, and how onboarding works for each partner type The Virtuous Partner Program is open to organizations that share our commitment to helping nonprofits grow. This page walks through the application process — how to apply, what we review, and what happens after you're approved. ## When to apply | You should apply if... | This program is a fit | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | You build technology nonprofits use, and an integration with Virtuous would add value to mutual customers | ✓ Apply as a Technology & Integration Partner | | You provide fundraising strategy, creative services, or donor engagement consulting to nonprofits | ✓ Apply as a Service & Agency Partner | | You specialize in CRM implementation, data migration, or product training and want to deliver Virtuous to nonprofits | ✓ Apply as a Service & Implementation (S+I) Partner | | You're a nonprofit looking to use Virtuous | Visit [virtuous.org](https://virtuous.org) — you don't need to apply to the partner program | | You want a one-off integration just for internal use | Use the API documentation directly; no partner status needed for internal integrations | See [Partner Types and Tiers](/virtuous/partners/partner-types-and-tiers) for the full breakdown of partner types. *** ## The application process ```mermaid theme={null} graph LR Apply["1. Apply"] Review["2. Virtuous reviews"] Decision{"Approved?"} Welcome["3. Welcome + onboarding"] Guidance["Alternative guidance"] Apply --> Review Review --> Decision Decision -->|"Yes"| Welcome Decision -->|"Not at this time"| Guidance ``` ### Step 1: Apply Most partners apply through the **Partner Portal application** — a self-service form where you share information about your organization, your work with nonprofits, and the kind of partnership you're seeking with Virtuous. The application asks for: | Section | What we ask about | | ----------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | | About your organization | Company name, website, primary contact, geographic focus | | Your nonprofit work | The kinds of nonprofits you serve; sector focus; existing client base | | Proposed partnership | Partner type you're applying for; what you'd bring to the ecosystem | | For technology partners | The integration you're proposing; technical scope; rough timeline | | For service partners | Service categories you offer; team capacity; certifications | You don't need to have everything figured out — the application is the start of a conversation. If we approve your application, your Partner Manager will work with you to refine the specifics during onboarding. ### Step 2: Virtuous reviews Our team reviews each application for: | Review criterion | What we're looking at | | ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Nonprofit-sector fit | Do you currently serve nonprofits? Does your work align with the responsive fundraising model? | | Market alignment | Is there demonstrated nonprofit demand for what you offer? Do mutual customers exist or seem likely? | | Partnership potential | Is there opportunity for co-marketing, referrals, or integration value? | | For technology partners | Does the proposed integration solve a real customer problem? Is the technical approach feasible? | | For service partners | Does the team have nonprofit-sector experience? Is there capacity to support customers? | | For S+I partners | Is there commitment to Virtuous Academy certifications and ongoing training? | Reviews typically take a few business days, depending on how clear the application is and whether we need to follow up for context. If we have questions, we'll reach out before making a decision. ### Step 3a: Approved If approved, you'll receive: * A welcome email confirming your acceptance * Invitation to the **Partner Portal** with your login * An invitation to a 1:1 follow-up with your Partner Manager (or, depending on partner type, an invitation to our next Partner Coffee Chat — a small-group session for newly approved partners) * A **Go-to-Market (GTM) Worksheet** that helps align on early activation plays and shared goals From there, the path depends on partner type — see [Onboarding by partner type](#onboarding-by-partner-type) below. ### Step 3b: Not approved at this time If we don't approve the application, we'll send a kind follow-up that explains the gap and, where possible, suggests alternatives: * Pointers to other programs that might be a better fit * Guidance on what would help a future application succeed * An invitation to stay in touch as your business evolves A "not at this time" isn't a permanent no — many partners apply again later as their nonprofit-sector practice grows or as their technology evolves. *** ## Onboarding by partner type Onboarding looks different for each partner type because the work is different. Here's what to expect. ### Technology & Integration Partners Technology partners follow the structured **Integration Pathway** — a multi-stage workflow that ensures the integration is well-designed, validated, and ready for mutual customers before it goes live. The major milestones: | Milestone | What happens | | ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | MNDA signing | Mutual NDA executed so we can share sandbox access and discuss your integration design | | Sandbox access | You get a Virtuous sandbox environment to develop against | | Resource review | You explore the API documentation, sample integrations, and developer resources | | Prototype submission | You share initial prototypes or mockups for Virtuous feedback | | Development | You build the integration, with check-ins along the way | | Mid-build demo | You demo current state to confirm direction before final polish | | Final submission | Complete build + user-facing documentation submitted for Virtuous review | | Certification + marketplace listing | Once approved, you get marketplace listing access | See the full [Integration Pathway](/virtuous/partners/integration-pathway) page for the detailed walkthrough. ### Service & Agency Partners Service partners typically onboard with a lighter-weight process focused on alignment and visibility: | Step | What happens | | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Partner Portal access | You get login credentials and a tour of available resources | | GTM Worksheet | You complete the worksheet to align on services offered, ideal customer profile, and early plays | | Marketplace listing | We work with you on your marketplace profile so nonprofits can find you | | Referral expectations | We walk through the referral program — how to refer leads to us and how nonprofits get matched with you | | Co-marketing intro | We discuss spotlight opportunities, content collaboration, and ways to elevate your work | Service partners can begin engaging with the broader program (newsletter, content collaboration, networking) as soon as onboarding completes. ### Service & Implementation (S+I) Partners S+I partners go through a more involved onboarding because customers depend on certified expertise: | Step | What happens | | ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Partner Portal access | You get login credentials and a tour of resources | | GTM Worksheet | Alignment on services offered and target customer profile | | Academy certifications | Your implementation team completes required Virtuous Academy courses | | Contract structure | We discuss whether you'll operate gray-label, direct, or a mix — and align on the operational details | | Marketplace listing | We work with you on your profile once certifications are complete | | First customer | We work alongside you on your first Virtuous customer engagement to ensure success | The Academy certifications validate that your team can deliver Virtuous well — they're a meaningful investment, but they also represent your team's credentialed expertise, which matters to customers choosing an implementation partner. *** ## After onboarding: what comes next Approval and initial onboarding are the start of the relationship, not the end. Once you're active in the program: | Cadence | What happens | | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Monthly** | Partner newsletter with program updates, customer wins, and opportunities | | **Quarterly (or as appropriate)** | Check-ins with your Partner Manager on progress, opportunities, and any blockers | | **Ongoing** | Access to the Partner Portal, Academy, and other program resources; eligibility for spotlight, content collaboration, webinars | | **Periodic** | Tier reviews based on engagement, impact, and alignment — see [Partner Types and Tiers](/virtuous/partners/partner-types-and-tiers#partner-tiers) | Partners who consistently drive ecosystem value can advance through the program tiers over time. Your Partner Manager will work with you on what advancement looks like for your business. *** ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does the application process take? Typically a few business days from submission to decision, sometimes longer if we need to follow up for additional context. Onboarding (after approval) varies by partner type — technology partners building integrations often have a multi-month journey through the Integration Pathway; service partners can be live in the program within a few weeks. ### Can I be more than one type of partner? Yes — some partners span types. An agency that also builds proprietary technology, or an S+I partner that also provides ongoing consulting, is welcome. The application asks you to identify your primary partner type, and your Partner Manager can help structure the relationship around your full scope. ### What if my proposed integration involves multiple Virtuous products? That's common and welcome. Many integrations touch both CRM+ and Raise (donor data + donation processing) or include Volunteer data. The Integration Pathway accommodates multi-product integrations; the application asks for the scope so we can align reviewers and reviewers appropriately. ### Can I apply if I'm not in the United States? Yes. Virtuous serves nonprofits globally, and our partner ecosystem includes organizations from many countries. Some operational details (referral programs, marketplace listings) may be region-specific — your Partner Manager will work through those with you. ### What happens if my application is approved but I never engage? The program is meant to be active — partners who don't engage may eventually be reviewed for continued program inclusion. If circumstances change and you need to pause, just let your Partner Manager know. *** ## Where to go next For technology partners — the full end-to-end build, validation, and launch workflow. Details on the three partner types and the tiered program structure. The Partner Portal, Academy, Marketplace, and other resources you'll use as a partner. The program's philosophy and the ecosystem at a glance.