The NCGIA offers both formal and informal collaborative opportunities to interested researchersand other professionals. The Industrial Affiliate Program at NCGIA-Buffalo is designed to expand involvement from the private sector.

Industrial Affiliates are offered advice and guidance on problems in which the NCGIA has expertise, such as those concerning the location of activities or facilities, transportation infrastructure, and land development. NCGIA-Buffalo also welcomes inquires from businesses and institutions who wish to establish project-based contracts with the center.

The national consortuim's Project Varenius offers a visiting scholar program, which supports visits by scientists to institutions within the U.S. other than their own to conduct research related to Project Varenius. Each NCGIA site also offers an ongoing ad-hoc program of tours, visits, and lectures, and welcomes inquires from all interested parties