Tania Ibarra Joins Keynote Panel on Mergers at Montana Nonprofit Association Conference

Nonprofit Mergers: A Path to Deepening Impact

Join Step Up: Equity Matters for a Thoughtful Conversation at the Montana Nonprofit Association Conference

As the nonprofit sector braces for a reshaping of federal funding and a changing landscape of community needs and resources, many organizations are re-evaluating how they operate—and how they can sustain their missions. One recurring theme in these conversations is the possibility of merging with another organization to close funding gaps or improve efficiency.

But a merger should be a strategic decision—one that centers mission alignment, amplifies community impact, and strengthens long-term resilience.

That’s why we’re joining a candid and practical conversation at the Montana Nonprofit Association’s Annual Conference.

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Keynote Panel: Stronger Together: Exploring Collaboration, Mergers, and More

Montana Nonprofit Association Conference
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Virtual. https://mtnonprofit.org/event/momentum-2025-annual-conference/

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Why This Conversation Matters:

Mergers in the nonprofit space can unlock powerful opportunities. Beyond federal funding shifts, nonprofits today face:

• Changing perceptions of impact priorities
  
  
• Rapid technological advancement
  
  
• Evolving workforce expectations
  
  
• Increased pressure for measurable impact
  
  
• Community needs that outpace available resources
  
  

In this session, we’ll explore what it really takes to merge successfully—and when a merger might not be the right move.

We’ll also explore alternatives, like cost-sharing partnerships, that can provide financial relief without sacrificing organizational identity or culture.

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What You’ll Learn:

• When a merger makes sense—and when it doesn’t
  
  
• How to assess mission and value alignment
  
  
• What funders look for in merged organizations
  
  
• Tools for change management and overcoming fear
  
  
• The human side of merging: staff, culture, and community trust
  
  
• Real-life merger stories—from grassroots to large-scale organizations
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Panelists Include:

Vanessa Zamora Romeno, Bienvenidos & English Para Todos
Merged organizations focused on immigrant support and language access
Explore Their Story

Tania Ibarra, Step Up: Equity Matters
Expert on nonprofit merger strategy and author of this helpful checklist

Anna January, Wisconsin Watch
Discusses why mergers are increasingly attractive to funders
Read More

Matt Bugni, AWARE / Western Montana Mental Health Center
Insights from a large-scale merger in the behavioral health sector

Laura Kneedler, WestMont
Change management expert focused on navigating organizational fear and fostering staff alignment

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Our Takeaway:

Mergers should be explored as a way to amplify impact, not simply patch financial holes. A thoughtful merger can create a stronger, more resilient team—built on the complementary strengths of each partner. But a merger based solely on desperation can do more harm than good.