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
Thursday, January 27, 2011
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