May 17, 2011; Source: Cleveland.com | A merger on May 1 of two nonprofits resulted in no staff cuts, both offices still open, and a projected $100,000 savings in administrative costs. New Life Community and Interfaith Hospitality Network have merged to become Family Promise of Cleveland. The group is now Cleveland’s largest organization focusing on stabilizing homeless families with children under 18.

Cleveland foundations have been actively encouraging nonprofits to merge this year with six collaborations being announced since January.

New Life and Interfaith, who were both financially stable, knew that combining resources would allow them to expand their services to meet increased demand and maximize reduced support from foundations.

A new initiative to extend follow up services to program graduates has already been launched. The organization expects to serve 25 to 35 percent more families. The former executive director of New Life now heads the merged agency, with Interfaith’s chief as the associate director.

Founders of both organizations are very pleased with the merger, new name, and increased services.

This looks like a “win-win-win” – for the community, the clients, and the new agency. Heard of other recent success stories like this one?—Nancy Knoche