by N. Paul TonThat, Associate, Interim Executive Solutions A Vision/Mission statement for an organization undergoing transition and/or merger is that most exquisite and powerful of commodities. If it is focused, precise and singularly inspiring, it will almost define entirely alone the new or changing organization’s program and governance. On the other hand the mission statement is bound to fail if the focus is overly broad, the standard of services is undefined, and the definition of success is left unspecified. An Uncomfortable Truth Organizational merger is first a contest of power, will and influence before it is an exercise about increasing […]

The number of US nonprofits actually grew 7 percent between 2007 and 2011 to 1.58 million, an average of nearly 40 nonprofits per US zip code.   But the rate of mergers in the nonprofit sector has remained flat.  This is unfortunate.  Mergers can make good sense for many nonprofit organizations.  But there are challenges on the way to achieving success.  Below is a checklist from some of the best of the “nonprofit merger” literature to help Boards and Executives get started thinking about this opportunity. Nonprofit Mergers Most Likely to Succeed Done for strategic reasons Combining separate competencies Joining contiguous or related […]

Nonprofits Announce Merge to Better Meet Affordable Housing Needs Long-time Newton-based nonprofit Citizens for Affordable Housing in Newton Development Organization (CAN-DO) announces its affiliation, as of January 1, with Metro West Collaborative Development, Inc., also of Newton. Both organizations say that their affiliation move will help grow and support affordable housing in the area.  On February 1 Metro West will take over management of the CAN-DO properties through its offices on Chapel Street in Newton. “CAN-DO was attracted to becoming an organization with a more diverse collection of income sources and the opportunity of working in numerous towns said Susan Davidoff, […]