We Can’t Afford to “Wait and See”
Hello Tangelo Tree Community,
Last week, our Founder, Michael Anderson wrote a piece on LinkedIn, after speaking with members from our community, about the disconnect between funders and nonprofits. We heard from multiple folks representing funders that they believe that nonprofits are in a “wait and see” mode; while at the same time, we’re hearing from nonprofits that they are already trying to resolve issues that have risen from the new administration. As we work to piece together what we are hearing in the work that Tangelo Tree does, we hope this may help draw some attention to an issue that we are noticing.
Check it out here or below!
From Michael Anderson on LinkedIn:
“I'm observing a troubling disconnect between how funders and nonprofits are experiencing this political moment.
In the past 10 days, I've spoken with 3 funders who have been assuming that all nonprofits are in a "wait and see" mode. I've also met with 4 nonprofits that are putting plans in place for a potential dissolution and program/asset transfer; we've facilitated 2 risk and scenarios discussions that included closure scenarios; and we've coached 2 nonprofit leaders through tough decisions around furloughs or RIFs. Many nonprofits are experiencing the effects of the new administration today and are not in a "wait and see" mode.
“Many nonprofits are experiencing the effects of the new administration today and are not in a ‘wait and see’ mode.”
Funders, here are some thoughts on what you can do:
Check in with your grantees.
Plug in with your statewide nonprofit association and the National Council of Nonprofits and get aware of what's happening in the sector.
Consider meeting urgent short-term working capital needs through rapid response grantmaking.
You aren't buying outcomes with these grants; you're buying time for the leaders of organizations you care about to have a little space to be thoughtful in scenario planning.
Support and encourage cross-organization conversations when field or system restructuring is possible or even likely, setting focus on preserving the assets and programs in the space that our communities have come to rely upon.
I'm happy to connect and talk about specific ways in which you can support nonprofits in this moment. To learn more about Tangelo Tree offers, visit tangelotree.org”
With Care,
Tangelo Tree Consulting
What is Tangelo Tree Up To?
This month, Tangelo Tree will be at an event hosted by Nonprofit Quarterly to talk about Partnerships as Strategy in 2025. This event will focus on how financial uncertainty and executive orders are forcing downsizing, and how nonprofits must explore strategic partnerships and mergers to sustain their impact. This session, led by expert Michael Anderson and moderated by Jeanne Bell, will provide leaders with essential tools to evaluate collaboration opportunities, navigate the merger process, and learn from organizations that have successfully partnered.
The session will feature past Tangelo Tree clients with recent experience and real expertise, Hoang Murphy and Lissa Jones-Lofgren, sharing their experience with Haven’s Housing transfer of St. Anne’s Place shelter to People Serving People in 2024. The event is sure to leave participants with much needed knowledge to meet the moment we are in.
Designed for senior staff, executives, and board members, this discussion will offer practical strategies to protect vital programs and strengthen nonprofit sustainability in 2025.
To sign up, visit the link found here or click below.
Full Event Description
The Power of Partnership: Protecting Communities and Essential Programming through Partnerships & Mergers
In 2025, strategic partnerships—and in some cases, mergers—will be essential strategies for nonprofit survival and impact.
The nonprofit sector faces massive financial cuts and uncertainty. Executive orders are forcing organizations to downsize. Many may have to close their doors. Nonprofits need better tools to defend critical services and programs. In 2025, understanding your strategic options—from program collaborations to full mergers—is essential for nonprofit resilience.
Join this timely discussion led by partnerships and mergers expert Michael Anderson. In a time of threat and urgency, how can staff leaders and boards efficiently evaluate their partnership and merger options? What steps and mindsets are essential for success along the continuum of options from collaboration to full merger?
Participants will leave with concrete tools to protect communities and sustain vital programming by designing powerful partnerships.
Learn the steps to effectively evaluate partnership and merger options
Access tools to facilitate partnership and merger consideration
Hear lessons learned from leaders who've recently partnered or merged
This session is ideal for senior staff, executives, and board members who will play a role in the decision-making to pursue organizational partnerships.
