#MergerMondays: Legacy Updates
For decades, nonprofit mergers have quietly shaped the strength and sustainability of the social sector. From civil rights to nonprofit workforce development, mergers continue to demonstrate that collaboration is transformational.
One of the most enduring examples of this is the formation of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, created through the merger of People United to Serve Humanity (PUSH), founded in 1971, and the National Rainbow Coalition, founded in 1984 by Jesse Jackson. Following Rev. Jackson’s passing at age 84 on February 17, 2026, national coverage revisited the lasting influence of the organization he built. The merged Rainbow PUSH Coalition evolved into a national civil rights organization with chapters and programs focused on voting rights, economic justice, corporate accountability, and educational equity. The measurable impact — millions mobilized, policies influenced, generations inspired — stands as a testament to what sustained organizational unity can accomplish.
We’re also revisiting a collaboration we’ve featured in previous Merger Mondays: the continued evolution of Candid and Idealist. (If you’d like a deeper look at their earlier merger stories, we’ve covered both on the blog.) Most recently, Candid announced that Philanthropy News Digest’s job board will transition to Idealist’s platform. According to Candid’s official release and reporting from NonProfit PRO, Idealist connects tens of millions of people each year with jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities in the social-impact sector. Bringing PND’s job listings into that ecosystem expands visibility for nonprofit employers and consolidates recruitment tools in one established infrastructure. At its core, this shift expands access by reaching millions of users, broadening distribution, and making more meaningful connections between nonprofits and job seekers.
Nonprofit mergers are often measured in budgets and operational efficiencies, but their true legacy is found in the people they affect. Whether sustaining decades-long civil rights advocacy or amplifying access to nonprofit careers for millions, these updates remind us that when organizations join forces thoughtfully, impact multiplies. Here’s to the visionaries who build boldly, the leaders who steward transitions with care, and the enduring power of collaboration in service of the public good.
KHG Previous Blog Posts on Idealist & Candid:
https://www.kateharrisgroup.com/blog/mergermondays-idealist-and-volunteermatch?rq=candid
https://www.kateharrisgroup.com/blog/mergermondays-candid?rq=candid
Sources:
https://candid.org/press/candid-and-idealist-announce-job-listings-partnership/
