Nonprofits today face a perfect storm of challenges: rising prices and economic uncertainty, shifting public perception, evolving policy landscapes, and an increased need for nonprofit services. Staffing challenges continue to be an issue as well, with questions about how to retain qualified staff and offer competitive pay and benefits. None of these pressures are necessarily new, but the confluence of so many is making it a uniquely challenging time for nonprofits in every sector.
In response, Cahaba River Society and Cahaba Riverkeeper have chosen to merge, creating Cahaba River Coalition. Our merger was not only a response to the sector’s systemic challenges, but also to the unique needs of the Cahaba River and the communities that depend on it. Our unified organization is positioned to act in ways that can potentially offset these larger systemic challenges, while also acting locally to be a better advocate for an amazing natural asset, with work and programs that are truly rooted in our communities.
At the heart of our decision was mission alignment. With two organizations doing similar and complementary work along the same river, there was a lot of confusion in the market on who did what. It became clear that both organizations would lose opportunities and impact in continuing to operate separately. We also recognized that merging would increase our ability to secure funding for ongoing work and for larger projects, thus increasing our mission impact. A larger organization with a bigger impact also offers more opportunities for staff development and support, while broadening our reach in the communities on the river. Cahaba River Coalition will also provide organizational sustainability while giving us a strong foundation to be proactive rather than reactive in dealing with the ongoing challenges facing nonprofits.
Of course, mergers offer their own challenges. Creating a new culture while honoring the history of both organizations has pitfalls as well as rewards. A particular challenge has been continuing our work while we integrate staff, board, and continue to deliver on our programs. Clear communication, consistent expectations, and a shared commitment to mission are essential and have helped us navigate these challenges. When done well, the process preserves the best of both organizations while creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
As Cahaba River Coalition, we are excited to build a stronger, more sustainable organization to preserve and protect the integrity of the Cahaba River and its watershed. Our journey may reflect what many nonprofits are facing, and we hope our experience contributes to the broader conversation about how nonprofits can adapt, thrive, and continue to serve their communities with impact.
– Deborah Barker – Co-Executive Director of Cahaba River Coalition
