Memorandum of Understanding Template

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is used when two or more parties want to outline the terms of a mutual agreement before entering into a formal contract. It describes the basic terms of cooperation, duties, and shared goals, helping to clarify intentions and foster trust. You can draft your own Memorandum of Understanding on Loio and use a clearly written template to establish common ground in joint ventures or partnerships.
Paper titled "Memorandum of Understanding"; woman and man shaking hands, suitcases, statistics

An MOU template is a written agreement between two or more parties that outlines their intentions, expectations, and mutual goals. A draft MOU typically includes topics like the agreement's objectives, each party's roles and responsibilities, timelines, and the scope of cooperation. 

When Is a Memorandum of Understanding Used?

A memorandum of understanding template can be used in various situations where parties want clear terms established without rushing into legal obligations. 

  • Business partnerships — When two companies plan to work together, share resources, or pursue a joint venture, An MOU template outlines what each side brings to the table and what’s expected in return.

  • Research or academic collaboration — Universities and research entities often use a memorandum of understanding template to define terms for co-authored studies, grant distributions, or shared facilities.

  • International relations — Governments or international bodies often sign a sample MOU to express cooperative intentions before entering formal agreements or treaties.

  • Public-private partnerships — When public agencies collaborate with private organizations on infrastructure or community programs, An MOU template sets out how responsibilities and risks are shared.

  • Staffing or resource sharing — Non-profits or even larger institutions might use An MOU sample when sharing personnel, office space, or tools between departments or organizations.

How To Fill Out a Memorandum of Understanding?

Step 1: Enter party information and effective date

Part of the memorandum of understanding template
  • Enter the Effective Date — when the memorandum of understanding template officially begins;
  • Fill in Party 1’s full name and residential address;
  • Fill in Party 2’s full name and residential address.
MOU example:

This memorandum of understanding (the "MOU") is entered into on April 25, 2024 (the "Effective Date") by and between:

Olivia Jensen, an individual having her usual place of living at 101 Crestview Drive, Boulder, CO ("Party 1"), and
Liam Walker, an individual having his usual place of living at 402 Willow Lane, Denver, CO ("Party 2"),

collectively referred to as the "Parties".

Step 2: Define the purpose of the MOU

Part of the memorandum of understanding formats
  • Summarize what the MOU format is about or the shared goal;
Example:

This MOU is intended to formalize an operational relationship between the Parties for jointly organizing a monthly community outreach event serving unhoused residents in Denver.

Step 3: Define the general agreement

Part of the memorandum of understanding template Word
  • Summarize the general terms or areas of cooperation between the parties;
Example:

The Parties hereby agree to the following terms and conditions:
Both Parties will collaborate on event planning, volunteer coordination, and promotion. Each Party will contribute resources equally and make joint decisions.

Step 4: Outline each party’s responsibilities

Part of the An MOU Word template
  • Specify individual roles or tasks each party is expected to handle.
Example:

Party 1 shall be responsible for:
Securing venues and coordinating logistics.

Party 2 shall be responsible for:
Managing volunteer recruitment and handling on-site safety protocols.

Step 5: Describe resource contributions

Part of the memorandum of understanding Word template
  • Indicate what financial, material, or labor support each party will provide.
Example:

Party 1 agrees to provide the following financial, material, or labor resources:
$500 per month in event funding and access to transport vans.

Party 2 agrees to provide the following financial, material, or labor resources:
Volunteer team leads, event signage, and first-aid kits.

Have both Parties sign and date the MOU template.

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