Nonprofit mergers

Viable path for struggling nonprofits

In the face of these and other challenges, struggling nonprofits could find relief by sharing resources, collaborating, or even merging with other nonprofits. Such opportunities might soften the impact of ongoing economic challenges and afford nonprofits the opportunity to improve operational efficiencies. Yet some may be reluctant to pursue the opportunity–especially a merger with another organization. One reason, although certainly not the only one, might be because the organization's vision and objectives may be tied to a founder who views a merger as a failure and does not want to relinquish control. Whatever the reason, in our experience some nonprofits wait too long to make these tough decisions and either rush into a merger or acquisition at the last minute or close up shop entirely.

The for-profit sector offers many valuable lessons on how to use a merger or acquisition as a growth opportunity–one that can sustain the goals of a founder and provide opportunities for the organization to thrive in the future. Learn more about the five simple considerations that can help executives of struggling nonprofits in their efforts to find a viable path into the future.