When you’re trying something new…
…bring a guide.
Opening up the conversation about a major shift - whether merging with another organization or strategically sunsetting your own - is hard. If I’ve learned anything in the last 39 years, it’s that doing a hard thing can also mean doing the right thing. So if you’re envisioning something beyond what’s right in front of you - ask yourself:
“Where would we go if we weren’t afraid of how to get there?”
Approach
01 — Know where you’re going
Without a destination, any road will do. Finding the right partner takes vision. Knowing what you’re looking for and doing your homework on a potential partner can make the difference between wasted effort and a done deal.
Every project starts with a thorough assessment of the people, processes, and programs that drive your mission forward. If you’ve found the right partner or you’ve just started wondering about the possibilities - we will customize an approach to our assessment tools that fit your needs. We do this with great discretion so that you can wrestle with the big questions until you’re ready to share. A confidential conversation with Kate is a good place to start.
More on discovery and assessment tools
02 — Lead with your values
Negotiating the terms of a potential partnership is where the rubber meets the road. Keeping momentum, being able to pivot, and leading with integrity requires deep listening, emotional intelligence, and an emphasis on the relationship. I help clients lead with their values, centering their mission and the people most impacted by their work.
Whether you’re negotiating the terms of a nonprofit merger or making dissolution decisions that align with your values, we meet you at the negotiation table and facilitate those key conversations. Kate is trained in mediation and facilitation, with an emphasis on equity and justice. Her “no-nonsense” approach means openly addressing power dynamics and centering the lived experiences of traditionally marginalized communities.
More on hiring Kate for merger negotiation
03 — Assemble your dream team
Going on an adventure? Bring a friend! or two! Legal counsel, accounting services, PR and Communications - these professionals are key to a successful affiliation. I help clients find, coordinate, and project manage all the professional services and moving parts to help you save time and money by getting it done right the first time.
The road to….a failed merger is paved with good intentions. We help you connect with experienced professionals who specialize in mergers or other types of nonprofit affiliation. From shared services agreements to forming a managed services organization, the legal and budgetary implications matter. We help you find, vet, and negotiate contracts with professional services providers who can make your good intentions a reality.
More on Kate + Group - who we work with & why
04 — Make it stick
How you handle the process of merging two organizations sets the stage for post-merger integration. Navigating that cultural shift with intention and integrity is what makes all the work worthwhile. I work with leaders and volunteers to make the most of their investment.
So, you’ve signed on the dotted line. Now what? With fully integrated services, we help nonprofits blend together teams and culture. We can even help you develop a succession plan and exit gracefully. The needs post-merger or dissolution vary widely. If we can’t help you, we’ll connect you with someone who can! We’ve helped organizations integrate databases, fill key permanent and interim roles, hire executive coaches, …and even plan a rockin’ retirement party.
More on integration and graceful exits
Learn more about our services and approach:
But don’t take my word for it…
