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Collaborative Restructuring FAQs

  1. What is the Collaborative Restructuring Initiative?
    The Collaborative Restructuring Initiative is an opportunity for entities to come together in conversations that can help them move beyond ‘what is’ and envision ‘what could be’.

    The initiative will facilitate voluntary conversations among entitles that are ready to explore alliances, back office collaborations/consolidations, partnerships, networks or mergers. Voluntary is emphasized to ensure that no one is being forced to participate in the conversations.

    The Patterson Foundation does not act as a convener. The Patterson Foundation’s motive is to provide opportunities for nonprofits to explore the partnership space, focusing on whether the current business model is appropriate for their mission.
  2. Why did The Patterson Foundation choose the Collaborative Restructuring Initiative?
    Early on, The Patterson Foundation determined that it would not duplicate grant-making programs of local foundations but would work collaboratively with funders in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties in Florida to provide technical and funding assistance in areas that are not being met.

    Within the four-county area there more than 3,000 registered nonprofit organizations. Although no one has a breakdown of services, populations served and geographic boundaries, there are overlaps. The vast majority of nonprofit leaders are focused on day-to-day ‘what is’ with little time or incentive to think about ‘what could be’. The Collaborative Restructuring Initiative will help guide the conversations surrounding effectiveness, and financial thrivability.
  3. How can I be sure The Patterson Foundation understands the needs of my organization?
    The Patterson Foundation developed the Collaborative Restructuring Initiative to focus on financial thrivability. Trends in the nonprofit world suggest that funders and donors will not give at levels seen in the past decade. Trends also suggest that funders and donors are expecting more collaboration among entities.  And there is no question that our local tax base will not go up at the same rate it went down

    The Collaborative Restructuring Initiative will provide funding and technical assistance — in the form of facilitated conversations to organizations in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Desoto counties interested in exploring new paradigms through alliances, back office collaborations/consolidations, partnerships, networks and mergers. Funding will not be made for programs, capital needs or endowments of any individual organization. Instead, the Collaborative Restructuring Initiative seeks to assist two or more entities in their quest to leverage resources and capabilities for long-term thrivability.
  4. How will the Collaborative Restructuring Initiative get started?
    The program development continues to evolve. The Patterson Foundation and has completed several critical components and others are currently underway.
    • Make sure we know what others in the region are doing with respect to alliances, back office collaborations/consolidations, partnerships, networks and mergers.
    • Continue to partner with nationally recognized La Piana Consulting about the nuisances of collaborative restructuring.
    • Seek collaborative funding should entities voluntarily desire to begin a learning journey that could lead to collaborative initiatives.
    • Work with foundations in Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Indiana that are also moving in the same direction.
    • Partner with La Piana and other foundations to develop an online assessment tool.
    • Educate and inform regarding the Collaborative Restructuring Initiative throughout the Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto county area.Provide qualified collaborative restructuring consultants. TPF is in the process of growing a consultant base to function as third-party facilitators in nonprofit explorations.
  5. Why is there so little information on this initiative?
    The Collaborative Restructuring Initiative is a new concept for our area. The Patterson Foundation will update the FAQs as we grow in the space.

    For more information or to see if your nonprofit is a candidate for third-party facilitation, contact Initiative Manager Pam Truitt ptruitt@thepattersonfoundtion.org or 941.955.3099.