Quotes: 
What others are saying about Nonprofit Mergers Workbook Part I...

“La Piana has distilled what can be a daunting and complex process into a highly usable workbook that makes the process manageable and controllable. I know of at least two restructurings that could have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars and untold frustration and head-banging if they used this book.”
—Arthur Rieman, Principal, The Cultural and Planning Group, Sherman Oaks, CA

“An invaluable tool! La Piana takes nonprofit leaders through a helpful step-by-step process including important questions to ask, suggestions for integration and restructuring, and useful worksheets. It is clearly written, insightful, and provides a wealth of information to nonprofit decision makers.”
—Judith O'Connor, President and CEO, National Center for Nonprofit Boards, Washington, DC

“Long overdue! It's terrific to finally have a practical tool to pass on to organizations considering merger. Contains information and guidance, as well as useful tools that have been unavailable.”
—Liza Culick, Director, Management Assistance Project, Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, Soquel, CA

“Simple, coherent, practical.”
—Janice Williams, Coordinator, Strategic Alliances, Girl Scouts of the USA, New York

“A great tool for any nonprofit going through a transition or ready to rethink their ability to deliver services in a more efficient and effective manner.”
—Margaret Donohoe, Transition Consultant, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, San Jose, CA

“Clear and easy to understand without skipping any of the difficulties in the process.”
—Mike Allison, Director of Consulting and Research, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, San Francisco

“Covers the full progression from considering a merger to executing a merger in a 'workbook' manner as no other publication we've seen. It's detailed where necessary, effectively uses graphics and examples, and the worksheets are very helpful. La Piana's practical, simple, yet sophisticated, approach is made replicable by the book.”
—Robert N. Teeter, Ph.D., President, Teeter Associates, Greensburg, PA

“An essential resource for nonprofit executives and board members examining issues of mission, strategy, and market in an increasingly competitive environment.”
—Dennis A. Collins, President and CEO, The James Irvine Foundation, San Francisco

“Describes a clear, step-by-step process—and the worksheets actually outline the series of discussions the organizations' boards should be having.”
—Karen Ray, President, Karen Ray & Associates, Minneapolis, MN



Table Of Contents: 
Introduction
Why Merger?
Other Partnership Options
How to Use This Book
Introduction to Case Studies

Chapter 1: Forms of Merger
What are the options for structuring your merger?
Outright Merger
Asset Transfer
Interlocking Boards
Parent-Subsidiary Relationships
Chapter Summary

Chapter 2: Internal Self-Assessment
What makes you a good candidate for a merger?
1. What Is Motivating Your Desire to Merge?
2. What Do You Expect from a Merger?
3. Can You Keep a Focus on Mission?
4. Do You Have a Unity of Strategic Purpose?
5. Can Your Leaders Speak with One Voice?
6. How Solid Are Board-Management Relationships?
7. Are You Currently in a Crisis?
8. Do You Have a History of Successful Risk-Taking?
9. Do You Have a Growth Orientation?
10. Is There an Opening in Either Executive Position?
11. Do You Know of Other Successful Mergers?
Chapter Summary
Case Studies

Chapter 3: Interorganizational Assessment
What makes a good partner for your organization?
Prior to the Identification of a Partner
With an Identified Potential Partner
Assessing a Potential Partner
Chapter Summary
Case Studies

Chapter 4: Anticipating Difficulties and Roadblocks
What are common problems in merger negotiations?
Autonomy
Self-Interest
Culture Clash
Chapter Summary
Case Studies

Chapter 5: Negotiation Stages and Strategies
Is this partnership worth pursuing? If it is, how do you negotiate a merger?
Step 1: Commit to Negotiations
Step 2: Plan and Conduct Negotiations
Step 3: Write and Give Proposed Agreement to the Board
Step 4: Approve or Reject the Agreement
Chapter Summary
Case Studies

Chapter 6: Implementation
Once the terms of the partnership are agreed upon, how do you make the merger a reality?
Implementation versus Integration
Board Integration
Systems Integration
Management Integration
Staff Integration
Managing Culture Conflict
Creating an Implementation Plan
Chapter Summary
Case Studies

Chapter 7: Funding a Merger
What is it going to cost? Where will I find the money?
Estimating the Cost
Strategies for Securing Funding
Chapter Summary
Case Studies

Chapter 8: For Consultants Only
Chapter Summary

Appendices
Appendix A Sample Final Minutes from a Completed Negotiation
Appendix B Pre- and Post-Merger Organizational Profile
Appendix C Sample Ad for a Nonprofit Seeking a Partner
Appendix D Sample Confidentiality Agreement
Appendix E Sample Implementation/Integration Plan
Resource List
Worksheets
Index