Episode Overview

Podcast: We Are For Good Podcast – The Podcast for Nonprofits
Episode: 680. Shift 10 — Merge to Multiply: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration – Ananya Poddar
Date: February 4, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode dives into the transformative power of nonprofit collaboration—particularly mergers, strategic alliances, and shared infrastructure. Ananya Poddar, Senior Associate at SeaChange Capital Partners, joins hosts Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott to reveal how intentional collaborations can multiply impact, protect missions, enhance sustainability, and unlock new funding pathways in the nonprofit sector. The conversation offers practical advice, case studies, and insights for nonprofit leaders considering collaboration as a tool for growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Case for Collaboration in Nonprofits

• Traditional Mindsets and Missed Possibilities

  • Many nonprofit leaders don’t naturally consider collaboration. The episode starts by challenging this reluctance, highlighting that collaboration is rarely a default strategy even though sector pressures suggest its growing importance.
  • Quote:
    "Nonprofits don't always know what possibilities exist. Collaboration is often not on leaders' minds. And understandably, you know, they've got enough on their minds." – Ananya Poddar (00:05)

• Why Mergers & Collaborations Matter

  • Collaboration models like mergers, shared infrastructure, and program transfers can unlock exponential impact. These strategies are not just for failing organizations but are proactive pathways to sustainability and expanded reach.
  • There’s an increasing trend of funders supporting collaborations, though this side often receives less attention than the operational side.

Inside the SeaChange Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration

• Purpose & Uniqueness

  • The fund is a partnership between SeaChange Capital Partners and the Lodestar Foundation, supporting nonprofits exploring collaboration through funding and advisory support.
  • The Lodestar Foundation has committed to this model for over 25 years across sectoral and geographic boundaries.

• Three Core Supports Provided

  • Safe Discussion Space: Nonjudgmental, confidential thought partnership where leaders can talk openly about vulnerabilities and opportunities (06:11).
  • Resource Referrals: Connections to knowledge, past collaborators, or potential partners.
  • Direct Funding: Grants for planning or implementing collaborations, including the hiring of third-party technical support (07:35).

• Filling a Funding Gap

  • Most funders support specific sectors, not collaboration as a priority. SeaChange, by contrast, provides support regardless of nonprofit size or mission.
  • Funding is administered by another nonprofit, ensuring confidentiality, neutrality, and a true partnership ethos.
  • Quote:
    “You will rarely find a funder that names collaboration as a funding priority and one on top of that that spans sectors, spans organizational sizes, spans state boundaries.” – Ananya Poddar (08:25)

Building Trust for Collaborative Success

• Two Dimensions of Trust
  • Trust must be cultivated both between organizations seeking to collaborate and between nonprofits and their funders.
  • Advice for Leaders:
    • Be open and upfront about intentions, desired outcomes, and fears.
    • Communicate the right amount to the right stakeholders at the right time—don’t involve everyone too early; sequence buy-in strategically (12:00).
    • Gain board support early; inform funders before public announcements.
    • Use neutral third parties for project management and facilitation. These external experts help maintain objectivity and emotional distance, making difficult decisions easier.
  • Quote:
    “Partnerships are trust-based exercises. So just, you know, keep those lines of communication open.” – Ananya Poddar (11:23)

Case Studies: Collaboration in Action

• She’s the First & Girl Rising Merger (16:34–20:22)

  • Two orgs with highly aligned missions merged to expand their reach supporting girls in marginalized communities.
  • They engaged third-party support for the merger, resulting in projected impact for thousands more girls, operational savings, and administrative efficiencies.
  • Notable Moment:
    "Tammy and Christina...have led this project with such a forward-looking lens...They've grounded it in long-term thinking and it's a really good example of where collaboration can come about even when there isn't a pressing need." – Ananya Poddar (18:14)
  • Communication, joy, and clarity were evident to donors and external stakeholders.

• Detroit Human Service Organizations – Cost Savings (20:22–21:41)

  • Two orgs merged, leading to $500K annual savings (on a sub-$5M budget) simply by sharing electronic medical records infrastructure—a powerful testament to the potential for resource optimization.

• Philadelphia: Uplift Solutions & Share Food Program – Program Transfer (21:41–24:03)

  • Instead of merging entirely, Uplift transferred a food rescue program to Share (whose mission better aligned), resulting in an efficient and mission-driven collaboration without the full complexity/liabilities of a merger.

Practical Takeaways for Leaders

• Start Socializing the Idea

  • Leaders should begin building awareness about collaboration possibilities—mention it in boardrooms, include it in risk management, and discuss with partner organizations even if there’s no urgent need.
  • Quote:
    “So much of the groundwork is there. You kind of just have to go out and see it. And, you know, She’s the First and Girl Rising is a terrific example where there isn’t a need. But because this idea had been socialized...they went ahead and did the thing.” – Ananya Poddar (25:44)

• Lay the Foundation for the Long Game

  • Merging or collaborating is not a sign of weakness or failure but a forward-looking tool for organizational resilience and growth.
  • Prepare the board and staff, and view collaboration as an asset in the future-proofing toolkit.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Note | |-----------|---------|------------| | 00:05 | Ananya Poddar | “Nonprofits don't always know what possibilities exist. Collaboration is often not on leaders' minds. And understandably, you know, they've got enough on their minds.” | | 08:25 | Ananya Poddar | “You will rarely find a funder that names collaboration as a funding priority and one on top of that that spans sectors, spans organizational sizes, spans state boundaries.” | | 11:23 | Ananya Poddar | "Partnerships are trust-based exercises. So just, you know, keep those lines of communication open." | | 16:34 | Ananya Poddar | "You can't help but talk about She's the First and Girl Rising for so many reasons. That's how we were connected. And we're all a little bit obsessed because, I mean, not only do the organizations do incredible work, but also kind of the way the collaboration came about..." | | 25:44 | Ananya Poddar | “So much of the groundwork is there. You kind of just have to go out and see it. And, you know, She’s the First and Girl Rising is a terrific example where there isn’t a need. But because this idea had been socialized...they went ahead and did the thing.” | | 27:00 | Becky Endicott | “I think you have beautifully and succinctly dispelled the myth that merging is a weakness or a failure. I think you have proven the opposite in this conversation.” |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:05–02:06 – Setting up the collaboration conversation and introducing the guest
• 04:19–09:49 – Deep dive into SeaChange Lodestar Fund’s purpose and strategy
• 11:03–15:30 – Building trust, communication, and the technical assistance imperative
• 16:34–20:22 – She’s the First & Girl Rising merger case: strategy, results, and impact
• 20:22–24:08 – Additional case studies: Detroit merger, Philadelphia program transfer
• 25:07–27:00 – Practical “homework” for nonprofit leaders considering collaboration

Practical “Homework” for Listeners

• Socialize collaboration as a possibility: Start the conversation within your organization and board, even if no immediate need exists.
• Identify potential partners: You may already know likely collaborators through shared projects or community ties.
• Build the muscle: Keep collaboration in your toolkit—changes in the sector can happen suddenly, so being prepared can be crucial for resilience and opportunity.

How to Connect

• SeaChange Capital Partners: Website, resources, and contact info available online
• Ananya Poddar: aPODdarchangecap.org (at SeaChange Capital Partners)

This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, board members, and funders interested in amplifying impact through partnership, and equips listeners with mindset shifts, real stories, and concrete steps to start their collaborative journey.