For many nonprofit leaders, "merger" sounds like a last resort, and that view keeps them from exploring partnerships that could strengthen their mission well before any crisis.
In this article for NonProfit PRO, Christophe lays out the full range of options: informal collaboration and joint programs, shared administrative services, fiscal sponsorship, and formal mergers. He shows how organizations choose the level that fits their mission. With insights from Danielle Griffith of the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund and Erin Powrie of Good Samaritan Services, the article describes the signs that it may be time to explore, the five phases a merger typically follows, and the support network leaders need along the way.
Key takeaways
- Partnership thinking doesn't require a crisis. Leadership transitions, overlapping missions, and changing funding are natural moments to start the conversation.
- Integration planning is the most overlooked phase. Planning how teams, systems, programs, and fundraising will work together before any legal change protects services and stakeholder confidence.
- Bring partnership questions into annual planning. For example: if your primary funding source were cut by 20%, could a shared service model or partnership preserve your impact better than cuts alone?
The five phases follow our guide to nonprofit mergers and partnerships, which takes each phase in depth.