Last summer I wrote a piece, Should you go it alone: partnerships and collaborations, on giving organizations a useful tool for the ifs and hows of partnerships and mergers. It is one of the most requested pieces I have ever written. It was based on fairly extensive experience in the area: both as the ceo of a foundation which invested heavily in such partnerships and as a periodic consultant to organizations which were exploring mergers and partnerships. Any observer of the independent sector is well aware that this topic continues to be at the top of the agenda of many organizations and funders. The reasons are obvious and persuasive: are there duplications of services or back-office support that can be eliminated for immediate financial savings? Can one larger better-funded organization reach … Continue Reading
Considering a Merger? Figure Out Your Messaging Strategy First
As part of the continuing aftermath of the economic meltdown of 2009, there is lots of talk of an increase in nonprofit mergers. While some organizations have already shut their doors, others are considering a merger as a means to survival. In my experience [I have worked for two large philanthropies that merged] the road to successful merger is filled with many potholes that can make for a very bumpy trip. To ease the journey organizations must have a strong belief in the value of effective communications and a person at the helm of their communications command post whom they respect, trust and will follow. If you are charged with communicating about a planned merger or are already in the communications hot seat of a newly merged organization, walk down the hall to your CEO and have a long … Continue Reading
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