Findings from Our Strategic Partnerships Survey

At La Piana Consulting, we don’t just support nonprofits through mergers and alliances — we also track what happens after the work is done. In our latest survey of past clients, we asked: What changed after you explored, negotiated, or implemented a strategic partnership?

The results are powerful. Respondents reported positive impacts on their program range/scope and quality as well as their financial health and board culture — with 92% of those who implemented a strategic alliance describing it as successful. Some noted new visibility in their communities and increased interest from funders and collaborators. Importantly, even organizations that did not move forward with a formal partnership found the exploration process valuable.

These findings underscore what we already know: strategic partnerships can be a bold path to greater impact — but they also take time, intention, and support, as seen with some of the top challenges experienced. Click below for key takeaways and reflections from the field.