Nonprofit Collaborations & Mergers

Invoke facilitates collaborations and mergers, guiding organizations in building strong partnerships, aligning goals, and integrating seamlessly.

Reviewing their 401(a) retirement plan

Testimonials

“Ivy Buchan did an outstanding job helping our organization develop our Strategic Plan and brought our Board of Directors together in a collaborative way so that we were all excited to focus and participate. Additionally, she led Board Governance discussions and helped us define our committee structure. She offered fresh and objective perspectives and suggested actionable next steps and recommendations. She is professional and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, strategic planning, and more. We highly recommend Ivy to other nonprofit leaders and would welcome the opportunity to work with her again.”

~ Maddie Young, President & CEO
   YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County

“Ivy Buchan was just what the Harrisburg Symphony Association needed. Her knowledge of nonprofit structure and governance, combined with her deep roots in Harrisburg make her an ideal thought partner. In one mid-scale planning session, she was able to bring our board together quickly and lead us to strategic initiatives in a thorough and enjoyable manner. Ivy and her team are exemplary, and a joy to work with and we highly recommend them.”

~ Matthew Herren, Executive Director
   Harrisburg Symphony Association 

    Strategic Collaborations to Strengthen Your Nonprofit

    1. Service partnerships (co-delivery)
    2. Referral or network agreements
    3. Shared services arrangements
    4. Joint fundraising or grant partnerships
    5. Coalitions, consortia, or collaboratives
    6. Fiscal sponsorship / sponsored projects
    7. Licensing or management contracts
    8. Joint use of facilities or spaces
    9. Mergers and consolidations
    10. Cross sector partnerships
    0%
    increase in operational efficiency reported by organizations involved in collaborations
    0%
    more likely to achieve their goals when mergers are professionally guided
    0X
    more likely to secure major funding when nonprofits collaborate

    Is a Merger Right for Your Nonprofit? 10 Questions to Guide the Conversation

    1. Are we able to fully achieve our mission on our own, or are we struggling to make the impact we want?
    2. Are there other organizations doing similar work that we could partner with more closely or even combine with?
    3. Is our financial situation stable, or are we facing ongoing challenges that could affect our future?
    4. Would joining forces with another organization help us grow programs, reach more people, or improve outcomes?
    5. Do we have the leadership and board strength we need for the long term?
    6. Are there gaps in our staffing, systems, or infrastructure that limit our effectiveness?
    7. Would a merger reduce duplication and make better use of resources (staff, funding, space)?
    8. Are funders, partners, or community leaders encouraging more collaboration or consolidation?
    9. How open are our board, staff, and key stakeholders to the idea of exploring a merger?
    10. What are the risks of staying independent, and what are the potential benefits and challenges of merging?

    Thoughtful Guidance Through Nonprofit Collaborations and Mergers

    When nonprofits consider a change, they need a partner who can help them move through the process with clarity, care, and confidence. We help boards and leadership teams evaluate whether a partnership is the right fit, align around shared goals, and navigate each step with a practical, comprehensive process.

    Our expert-guided process ensures smooth transitions and optimal outcomes:

    • Comprehensive Due Diligence: We oversee thorough assessments of financial, legal, and operational aspects.
    • Cultural Integration Planning: We help align organizational cultures to ensure long-term success.
    • Stakeholder Communication: We develop strategies to keep all parties informed and engaged throughout the process.
    • Operational Streamlining: We identify and implement efficiencies to maximize the benefits of the merger.

    Our facilitation process ensures every voice is heard and decisions are well-informed.

    • Structured Dialogue: We use proven methodologies to foster open, productive discussions.
    • Data-Driven Insights: We provide relevant sector data and benchmarks to inform decision-making.
    • Consensus Building: We employ techniques to align diverse perspectives towards common goals.
    • Risk Assessment: We help identify and mitigate potential challenges in the collaboration process.
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    How We Customize Our Collaborations and Mergers

    We understand that every nonprofit has unique needs. Our customization process includes:
    • A free consultation to discuss your organization's needs and how Invoke can help.
    • Confirming the goals for our time together.
    • Crafting a proposal, if needed.
    • Services provided at an hourly rate or through customized packages.
    • In-person and virtual options are available.
    • Check our FAQ page for more details.

    Ready to Elevate Your Nonprofit's Strategy?

    Contact us today to help create a customized plan for your nonprofit. Invoke can help align stakeholder visions, engage the community, and deliver a plan that will help further your nonprofit's mission.

    Schedule Your Free Consultation