Recorded presentation

Johnnie A. Lee, MD, MPH, FACP¹, Debra Katz, MSW, LCSW¹, Mary Ellen Hass, MSW, LCSW², and Maurice K. Segall, Esq¹. (1) Department of Health and Social Services, City of Stamford Connecticut, 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT 06904, (2) Student Health Services, Stamford Connecticut, 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT 06904, 203 977 4399, mhass@ci.stamford.ct.us

In an economic climate where resources are scarce and the need for a public health response to issues facing the health and well being of our communities, non-profit agencies are challenged to meet ever increasing identified needs with limited funds. Two non-profit agencies in Stamford Connecticut were faced with such challenges and developed a strategy to address these obstacles. With limited funds neither organization had the ability to engage private legal counsel to advise them of their options as they explored a possible merger. Through the Pro Bono Partnership, a unique program for non-profits in the NY suburban tri-state area, the agencies were eligible for free legal services. Volunteer attorneys worked through the Pro Bono Partnership to help guide these two entities through the negotiation phase, due diligence and the filing of all requisite legal documents necessary to merge. This session will provide hands on information to participants on the skills and resources needed to accomplish a successful consolidation of two non-profit organizations. The two agencies, Stamford CARES a not for profit AIDS organization and Student Health Services of Stamford a child health agency, identified that a merger would enhance their ability to expand their mission and services, leverage additional financial opportunities and increase marketing capabilities. Steps involved in this process included policy development, personnel and human resource issues and board development. The successful outcome of this merger process will be detailed in this session.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Participants will articulate three benefits of a merger and/or consolidation of non-profit agencies.
• 2. Participants will identify the legal steps necessary to implement a merger of non-profit agencies.
• 3. Participants will be able to describe the steps necessary to assimilate the staff and board members into the culture of the newly formed organization.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Public/Private Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation