With the decrease in resources facing our nonprofits, it only makes sense for you to consider a range of opportunities to form alliances with other organizations. Whether you are considering co-locating to maximize administrative support services, or forming a merger with another entity, CNM can serve as the “outside voice” to help guide you through the planning process. To get the process started, contact Kim Carpenter Drake, Vice President, at (615) 259-0100 ext. 305 or kim@cnm.org.

Client Stories

“Both the League for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and The EAR Foundation have been serving Middle Tennessee’s deaf and hard of hearing population for many years. While successful, each organization had, over the years, clearly focused their programming resources in one area, leaving a gap in services for a segment of the population. Fortunately, both groups realized their strengths and weaknesses and began a conversation about a possible collaboration. When talk of a merger began, board members contacted CNM for some guidance and help. Consultant Kate Monaghan led each board through a series of conversations to help solidify their desires, hopes, and fears. With her guidance, the agencies were able to fully discuss their needs and expectations with an expert. Thanks to CNM and Kate, the agencies merged in the fall of 2008 to form a stronger nonprofit agency truly devoted to serving all those with hearing loss.”

Sallie Hussey
League for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and EAR Foundation

"In 2008 the leadership of two historic home sites in Franklin, Tennessee, Carnton and the Carter House, met to explore ways in which the sites could work together to enhance both sites and the visitor’s experience. During discussions about mutual goals and visions it was determined that a joint venture between the two properties was the best way to achieve the goals that both sites had set. We were told by the facilitator of our group session that he knew of no similar situations where two historic sites had successfully executed a joint venture. We knew that we were going to need guidance and direction as we navigated through this process.

At Carnton we had solicited the help of the Center for Nonprofit Management to do an executive search and that experience was such a positive one that the decision was made to use them as we went through this process of joint venture as well. This was one of the best decisions we could have made. Jim Valliancourt was there every step of the way providing us with the knowledge and expertise needed to see this joint venture through to conclusion creating the new Battle of Franklin Trust, which oversees the operations of both sites. Once the BOFT was formed, Frank Parsons assisted us with the executive search to hire a CEO for the new organization. Both men brought a level of professionalism that so positively impacted this endeavor that I think it is safe to say, “I don’t know what we would have done without them”. I have and will continue to recommend the Center for Nonprofit Management to others whenever I have the opportunity. "

Marianne Schroer, Chairman
Battle of Franklin Trust