Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions and Exit Strategies
In challenging times, making your organization a sustainable entity can be difficult. Sometimes the best strategy is to consider an alliance with an organization whose mission and vision you share. An alliance or merger can be the best way to continue your organization’s work and legacy and maximize outcomes for your staff and the clients you serve. Below are some resources to help you explore these complex topics. Information at the bottom of the page includes nonprofit dissolution (what to do when closing your doors).
Nonprofit Alliances and Mergers
- Nonprofits Mergers and Alliances: More Than a Tool for Tough Times – Author(s): Alex Cortez, William Foster and Katie Smith Milway of the Bridgespan Group, 2009
- The Nonprofit Mergers Workbook, Part I: The Leader’s Guide to Considering, Negotiating, and Executing a Merger – La Piana Associates, Inc.
- Nonprofits: Misery loves company – CNNMoney.com, 2009
- Mergers and Collaborations – a co-curated series of cases and blogs that explores effective nonprofit mergers, looking specifically at their rationales, catalysts and results as well as the challenges of due diligence and integration from Bridgespan.org, February 2014.
Funding for Mergers and Alliances
Are you seeking financial assistance with your alliance or merger? Visit the Strategic Alliance Partnership Grant page at toledocf.org. The Center for Nonprofit Resources encourages nonprofit agencies that are exploring mergers and alliances to apply for this funding opportunity.
Exit Strategies
When an organization considers ending its life, it is both a difficult and complex process. Everyone involved needs to be included in the decision including a nonprofit board, administrative and line staff, partners and stakeholders. The following articles and documents provide insight and information into the process of closing a nonprofit.
Questions about dissolution should be directed to a compliance examiner in the Charitable Law Section. Contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515.
- Frequently Asked Questions, Ohio Attorney General
- My nonprofit is dissolving. What is my organization required to do to dissolve with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office? (scroll down to the question) -FAQ Ohio Secretary of State
- Nonprofit Dissolution: What to Do When Closing the Doors – Nonprofit Quarterly, 2014
- Charity Dissolution Form – Ohio Attorney General
- Termination of an Exempt Organization – information from IRS.gov including form filing information