How Sustained Nonprofit Collaboration Can Power Resilience: 5 Key Insights from Our Merger Study
In times of uncertainty, nonprofit leaders are often called to do more with less—less funding, less stability, and less predictability. But belt-tightening can only get you so far. What if the answer isn’t to look inward and scale back, but to look outward—to your peers, your partners, and your community—for new ways to move forward?
At Mission + Strategy, we believe that collaboration is one of the most underutilized tools in the nonprofit leadership toolkit. And we’re not alone. Our 2016 study, Mergers as a Strategy for Success, analyzed 25 nonprofit mergers across the Chicago metro area and found that when done thoughtfully, partnerships—especially sustained ones—can be a powerful lever for mission advancement, organizational growth, and long-term impact.
Here are five key insights from the study that underscore why nonprofit collaboration isn’t just a lifeline—it’s a leadership strategy.
1. Collaboration Is a Strategy, Not a Surrender
In 88% of the mergers studied, leaders from both acquiring and acquired organizations reported that the post-merger entity was stronger—more mission-aligned, more impactful, and more resilient. These weren’t just survival moves. They were strategic decisions to grow, expand services, and deepen community impact.
“The most successful mergers are mission-driven. All parties are clear about their goals and use the merger as a strategy to achieve them.”
2. Relationships Build Resilience
In 80% of the cases, the organizations had a prior relationship or collaboration before merging. These pre-existing connections laid the groundwork for trust—what the study calls “the glue” of successful mergers. Sustained partnerships don’t just make mergers easier; they make them smarter.
“Trust overcomes fear, which is the biggest impediment to change and to a merger.”
3. Strategic Partnerships Unlock New Possibilities
The study identified two types of strategic mergers: pooling (combining similar resources) and trading (exchanging complementary strengths). Whether it was a literacy nonprofit merging with a teacher training organization, or a disability services provider joining forces with a tech-forward peer, these collaborations created more than the sum of their parts.
“Mergers can be used strategically by all parties not simply to grow or survive but to accomplish specific mission goals and increase impact.”
“Mergers can be used strategically by all parties not simply to grow or survive but to accomplish specific mission goals and increase impact.”
4. Outside Expertise Makes the Difference
In 80% of the mergers, organizations brought in third-party consultants or facilitators. These experts helped navigate complex negotiations, align stakeholders, and manage integration. At Mission + Strategy, we’ve seen firsthand how facilitation can turn uncertainty into clarity—and collaboration into action.
“Most successful mergers rely on outside experts, including attorneys, accountants, and merger facilitators.”
5. Funders Have a Role to Play
Nearly half of the mergers received financial support from donors to cover merger costs. But the study also found that funders can do more—by being transparent about their policies, supporting collaboration proactively, and celebrating organizations that choose to merge for the right reasons.
“The philanthropic community can and should play a much more active role in facilitating nonprofit mergers.”
Let’s Normalize Nonprofit Collaboration
The challenges facing nonprofits today are real. But so are the opportunities. Sustained collaboration—whether through formal mergers, strategic alliances, or shared services—can help organizations not only survive but thrive.
At Mission + Strategy, we’re here to help nonprofit leaders explore these options with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Because when we work together, we go further.
And looking ahead, we’re excited to share that in 2026, Mission + Strategy will update and re-release the 2016 Mergers as a Strategy for Success study to mark its 10-year anniversary. This new edition will incorporate fresh insights, emerging trends, and lessons learned from a decade of nonprofit collaboration—continuing our commitment to helping organizations lead boldly through change.
Together, we are stronger.
If you’re interested in sustained collaboration or balancing your mission and business strategies, we’re here to help.
Mission + Strategy is an invested thought partner to your nonprofit organization. Through our Strategic Advising, Mergers & Partnerships, and Shared Back Office service solutions, we help nonprofits achieve alignment between their mission and business strategies.
