Joining forces as the way forward

One of my many concerns about the entrenched nonprofit mentality is the way they view mergers and aquisitions.

In the world of the commercial entrepreneur, when two companies merge, a number of things happen. First, a stronger, more responsive organization is created that combines the strengths and reduces the weaknesses of the two smaller firms. Second, waste, inefficiency and redundancy are reduced, making for a more profitable enterprise. Third, a number of people involved in the transaction are handsomely rewarded. Each of these events is viewed as a good thing.

In the bunker mentality of the traditional nonprofit, when two ventures combine, we hold a funeral and mourn the loss of a good program. It's just crazy.

That's why recent news from my hometown is such a breath of fresh air. Five projects, overlapping missions and territories, somehow found the insight that they can be stronger together than appart.



Hallelujah!


http://http//www.baltimoresun.com/features/green/bs-gr-watershed-group-20110126,0,4555413.story