#MergerMondays: foundations + nonprofits pt. 2
What happens when foundations decide they can go further together than alone? More and more, we’re seeing strategic mergers emerge not out of crisis, but out of opportunity—grounded in shared values, existing partnerships, and a desire to deepen community impact.
Last week, we looked at three recent foundation mergers that illustrate this trend: one born from longstanding collaboration, another from an existing affiliation, and a third that united complementary strengths under one roof. Together, they offered a snapshot of what’s possible when mission meets strategy—and they laid the groundwork for deeper reflection on why and how foundations choose to merge.
Take the Better Way Foundation. It was created in 2014 when the Sieben Foundation (est. 1988) and the Alpha Omega Foundation (est. 1994) came together under a single name. Both were launched by the same family—Gerald and Henrietta Rauenhorst—and both centered Catholic social values and community-focused giving. Their merger likely reduced administrative redundancies, but more importantly, it enabled clearer governance and a more focused commitment to children and Indigenous communities. Instead of running in parallel, the two organizations chose to align and amplify their impact.
In Idaho, we saw a different kind of alignment. In 2024, the Idaho Nonprofit Center merged with the Idaho Community Foundation after years of side-by-side work. One focused on nonprofit education and advocacy, the other on donor services and grantmaking. Now, as a unified entity, they offer a comprehensive support system for Idaho’s nonprofit sector—providing training, resources, funding, and advocacy from a single platform. Already, the merged organization has awarded over 2,000 grants and scholarships and helped raise $4.3 million through Idaho Gives.
These stories make one thing clear: foundation mergers aren’t just about structural change. They’re about sharpening purpose, expanding reach, and doing the work more effectively. When approached thoughtfully—with trust, mission alignment, and a shared vision—mergers can free up resources, eliminate duplication, and ultimately bring more value to the communities served.
The momentum we’re seeing isn’t accidental. It reflects a sector that’s learning to collaborate more deeply, operate more efficiently, and lead with strategy. That’s a powerful shift—and one worth watching.
