680. Shift 10 — Merge to Multiply: Scaling Impact Through Collaboration - Ananya Poddar
Listen to this episode
This episode is part of 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact.
Overview
Today's episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.
Shift 10 / Merge to Multiply
In today’s episode, Jon and Becky explore why collaboration is becoming a defining strategy for nonprofits seeking to protect mission and scale impact — and why the funding side of mergers and partnerships doesn’t get nearly enough airtime.
They’re joined by Ananya Poddar, Senior Associate at SeaChange Capital Partners, to unpack what it really takes to resource nonprofit collaboration — from shared infrastructure and strategic alliances to program transfers and full-scale mergers.
Ananya shares insights from the SeaChange–Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration, including why neutral third-party support is often the missing ingredient, how leaders can build trust with funders and partner organizations, and what becomes possible when collaboration is treated as a fundable priority.
Takeaways:
Collaboration multiplies nonprofit impact beyond what organizations can achieve alone.
Mergers aren't the only path—program transfers and shared infrastructure also scale missions effectively.
Trust is essential at every stage, from partner organizations to funders and boards.
Neutral third-party support provides objectivity during vulnerable moments of change.
Funders like Sea Change Lodestar Fund fill a critical gap by prioritizing collaboration across sectors.
Proactively explore partnerships now to build resilience for unexpected challenges.
Dive Deeper:
Episode 653: Nonprofit Mergers Aren’t a Last Resort—They’re a Strategic First Choice - Christina Lowery, Kate Kiama, Nidhi Shukla + Tammy Tibbetts, She's The First and Girl Rising
“Trust is twofold here: trust with your funders, and trust with the organizations you’re looking to partner with. Building momentum along both of those lines is important.”
Episode Transcript
Download Full Episode Transcript Here
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Nonprofit Collaboration (01:52)
SeaChange-Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration (5:40)
Forms of Collaboration (07:00)
Building Trust with Partners (10:50)
Technical Assistance Funding (15:18)
Case Study: She's the First & Girl Rising Merger (16:23)
Cost Savings Example: Detroit Human Services Merger (20:10)
Case Study: Philly Food Rescue Program Transfer (21:22)
Motivations for Partnerships (23:57)
One Good Thing / Homework: Make yourself familiar with what opportunities exist. (29:00)
Powerful Quotes
“Nonprofit collaboration can mean so many different things. Nonprofits can collaborate in a whole host of ways, depending on what makes sense for them.” - Ananya Poddar
“The model of the fund is genius: housing it at a nonprofit provides an impartial, confidential third party. Nonprofits thinking about collaboration often face moments of change where they must be vulnerable—they may not want to approach typical funders or donors. A neutral nonprofit can offer true thought partnership when leaders need it most.” - Ananya Poddar
“Have open and upfront communication, especially with your partner organizations. Call out what you’re looking for in the process and be open about your fears.” - Ananya Poddar
“As you communicate with so many stakeholders—funders, board, staff, community, vendors, government—think about who to bring along on the journey and at what point. Collaboration is often a long, drawn-out process.” - Ananya Poddar
“We tell nonprofits we work with: once you’re confident a partnership will materialize, go to your funders before a public announcement, framing it as a way to grow impact.” - Ananya Poddar
“Leaders need a safe space that’s judgment-free—a sounding board to talk through collaboration ideas.” - Ananya Poddar
“Partnerships are trust-based exercises—open communication builds the foundation.” - Ananya Poddar
Ananya's One Good Thing / Homework
Start exploring collaboration possibilities now: "Make yourself familiar with what opportunities exist... socialize this idea, throw it around in your boardroom, build it into your risk management practices."
Key action steps:
Speak openly about potential partners you already know from past collaborations.
Build board awareness early— you'll need their support when opportunities arise.
Treat it as a toolkit essential, since "the world can literally change overnight."
Connect with Ananya
LinkedIn / Website / Email: a.poddar@seachangecap.org
General Email: info@seachangecap.org
Connect with Jon
Connect with Becky
Come be part of the We Are For Good Community—totally free.
Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com
Say hi👇
LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Studio Selfie
