Merger and Alliance Assessment Tool

(An Evolution of The Strategic Restructuring Self-Assessment Tool)

Introduction

Assessing readiness for strategic relationships is a crucial step for nonprofits aiming to navigate complex changes such as shifts in policy, public health challenges, and fluctuations in funding. Understanding the various partnership options, clarifying mutual expectations, and gauging organizational readiness are key to successful collaboration. Many organizations are intrigued by the potential of strategic restructuring yet often lack the resources to explore these options thoroughly at the outset.

The Merger and Alliance Assessment Tool (MAAT), an evolution of our earlier Strategic Restructuring Self-Assessment Tool (SRAT) was designed to address these needs. The MAAT helps nonprofits explore integrated forms of partnership in an accessible and non-intimidating manner. This tool, developed by La Piana Consulting with funding from four foundation partners [1], facilitates an automated survey and report process that allows organizations to perform self-assessments tailored to their unique contexts and needs.

How it Works

The MAAT is available to funders and federated nonprofit organizations interested in providing it to their grantees or using it within their networks.

Participants are encouraged to engage in the assessment with a diverse group of staff and board members, discussing the multiple-choice questions in-depth to ensure alignment of goals and clarity of expectations before submitting their responses. A downloadable version of the questions is available to aid in these discussions. Upon completing the online questionnaire, organizations immediately receive a customized report with targeted recommendations, which may include suggested readings, websites, podcasts, and strategies for further engagement.

This tool is more than just a questionnaire; it includes consultant engagement to provide essential context, helping organizations comprehend the assessment’s language and concepts and maximizing the utility of the recommendations. The MAAT aims to stimulate thoughtful internal discussion about the potential for strategic relationships, assessing motivations, strengths, and possible challenges that could be addressed or leveraged through a partnership.

For more information about the Merger and Alliance Assessment Tool, or to start your assessment, contact La Piana Consulting at info@lapiana.org or 510-601-9056.

Considering a merger, alliance, or some other form of collaboration?

Merger and Alliance Toolkit

If you are considering ways to make your partnerships stronger, are brainstorming ways to have more impact in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, or just thinking about how best to achieve your mission, our Merger & Alliance Toolkit provides practical information and concrete guidance to help you move forward.

Download the toolkit here.