#MergerMondays: Marymount Manhattan + Northeastern

Does your #nonprofit have a "Strategic Opportunities Committee" ⁉

📖 Take a page from the playbook of Marymount Manhattan College and Northeastern University.

Some small liberal arts colleges are closing their doors - and while I am adamant that we minimize the stigma around closure (it's a natural part of organizational life cycles!!) when trends like this catch momentum, it behooves us to pay attention.

If your board is full of forward thinkers and you're picking up some signals that times are changing 🚦 (hint* - they most certainly are!!!) - you may still have a vision a mission worth preserving. But HOW you go about it may require a deep dive into exploring all your options.

Marymount Manhattan was financially strong but saw decreasing enrollment - and so led from a position of strength. When organizations proactively seek our partnerships, they CREATE options and opportunities.

When organizations see the writing on the wall but delay action, they often limit their options. Don't limit yourselves! Your communities and the people you serve deserve better.

If you're on a nonprofit board, try this: 📢 "Our mission isn't complete yet, but our vision is compelling. The world is changing and we may have to change to keep up. I'd like to propose the creation of a Strategic Opportunities Committee charged with looking farther ahead and considering bold actions to move our mission forward. Who wants to explore this with me?" You might be surprised where you end up. 🛣

For more inspiration, read the full article here: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/business/mergers-collaboration/2024/05/30/northeastern-expands-nyc-marymount-manhattan-merger