Organizational Transitions

​Nonprofits Unite Webinar

​Leadership transitions, mergers, partnerships, program wind-downs, and other organizational shifts are inevitable. Yet many nonprofits only address them when a crisis forces their hand.

​This session reframes organizational transitions as an act of stewardship rather than failure. We’ll explore how proactive planning can strengthen mission impact, reduce disruption, and support people through change.

​You’ll hear from leaders who have navigated these moments in thoughtful ways, including:

• ​Emily Edison of True North Goodwill, sharing experience with a nonprofit merger

• ​Anne Hoefgen and Dori Rapaport of Justice North, reflecting on their recent merger process

• ​Jenny Krikava of the Community Foundation of Fox Valley, speaking about dignified organizational endings

• ​A case example from CCELP in Grand Marais on sunsetting a program

​Together we’ll explore:

• ​Leadership transitions and succession planning before urgency sets in

• ​Mergers, partnerships, and program sunsetting as strategic choices

• ​Moving beyond heroic leadership models toward shared responsibility

• ​Simple tools for naming and exploring “what if” scenarios

​This session is not about prescribing solutions. It’s about normalizing the conversation, expanding options, and learning from peers who have navigated these transitions firsthand.

​This webinar is part of the Nonprofits Unite series, leading up to the Nonprofits Unite Summit on May 11, 2026, and connects to our regional survey mapping needs and opportunities across Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.

​Other sessions include:

• ​Shared Services (March 25) - Register here

• ​Staff Well-Being (April 22) - Register here

​About Nonprofits Unite
Nonprofits Unite is supported by Boreal Waters Community Foundation and led in collaboration with nonprofit leaders and funders across Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.