The Institute for Conservation Leadership (ICL) (www.icl.org) works to “strengthen the leaders, organizations, and coalitions or networks that protect and conserve the Earth”. Conducting research is one of the tools ICL uses to help groups more effectively accomplish their goals.
ICL’s recent research report, “Creating an Environment for Success: Mergers and Other Partnership Structures for Environmental Nonprofits” shares four success stories illustrating different forms of partnerships. It also offers five options for strategic restructuring (merger, joint venture, parent-subsidiary structuring, management services organization, and fiscal sponsorship), and pointers and resources for groups exploring partnership possibilities. While the success stories are about environmental organizations, their lessons are relevant to nonprofits serving all sectors.
One success story is about Save the Bay and its multiple partnerships. The ICL report notes that “what may be surprising is that a state government agency reached out to explore an innovative affiliation”, in addition to the partnerships Save the Bay had with other nonprofits. The “Save the Bay History” summarizes its achievements, many of which are due to its successful partnerships.
Another success story relates the need for coordinated environmental action that “ultimately resulted in formation of the Western Land Conservancy, a merger of eight land trusts – the largest land trust merger ever undertaken”, and the strong leadership that was essential to make it happen.
