Nuts & Bolts of Nonprofit Mergers

Nonprofit Mergers at The Highlands in Garrison, NY

January 8, 2026 Garrison, NY.

Why do nonprofits merge?
Is it due to staffing issues (too few or too many), shrinking client footprint or because a strategic opportunity has arisen?

Although organizations may begin to think about merging for a variety of reasons, at the end of the day one fundamental issue drives the process - ensuring continuity of community services.

Moderator George C. Whipple, Member of the Firm at Epstein Becker Green, guided panelists, Heath Bloch, Executive Consultant at Ingenuity International Inc., Zach Disador, Program Supervisor at The Arc Mid-Hudson, Nicole Fenichel-Hewitt, Executive Director at The Art Effect, and Garrett Higgins, Partner at PKF O'Connor Davies, through a conversation on how to plan and what to expect when going through a nonprofit merger.

Panelists discussed the requirement of the New York State Attorney General for submission of an approved merger plan, the challenges of merger costs and implications on fundraising, and the critical component of any merger - communication with stakeholders including clients, government and funding partners and with staff.

While navigating the check-list to comply with internal processes as well as state and federal requirements is a daunting task, the end product of a merger is strength in delivery of programs and services for local communities.

NPC was proud to partner with the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley on this informative program.

For organizations thinking about the implications of merging and looking for general guidance on where to start, email NPC President, L. Danielle Cylich, or call (914) 843-1422.