Collaboration

Considering a merger?

Introduction

In today’s difficult financial climate mergers (defined as two or more separate organisations coming together to form one organisation) between voluntary organisations are being encouraged by interested parties such as the Charity Commission, government and other funding bodies.

A number of high profile charity mergers have taken place in recent years and debates about the pros and cons of mergers are a recurrent feature in the voluntary sector press.

10 top tips on collaborating for funding

1. Sign a partnership agreement
This is a MUST MUST MUST! A partnership agreement should outline in detail what each partner will do, with deadlines. Be as specific as possible, to avoid disputes later on.
 
If the bidding process is over a long period, you may want to sign a short initial agreement which states your intention to work together, with a view to making a more detailed agreement if the funding bid is successful.
 
2. Get the right partners