What if the ultimate success of your organization isn't staying independent forever, but creating a cultural shift that outlasts the institution itself? Bethany Robertson, co-founder of the I Do Foundation and Parents Together Foundation, shares her journey through organizational mergers and the lessons learned about redefining success.

The I Do Foundation pioneered charitable giving at weddings in 2000, creating a cultural norm and generating over $1 million before merging with a larger organization. Bethany discusses the emotional complexity of navigating transitions as a founder, the challenge of moving from philanthropic funding to earned revenue sustainability, and why letting go of organizational independence can be the right strategic choice.

We explore the critical difference between thinking of a process as a "merger" versus an "acquisition"—and how waiting too long can shift the power dynamics. Bethany shares lessons about negotiating when your assets have declined, the importance of separating founder identity from organizational identity, and why this moment demands flexibility in how we think about institutional work. Whether you're considering a merger, struggling with sustainability questions, or wondering how to balance organizational and personal wellbeing, this conversation offers honest perspectives on organizational evolution.

Guest Bio:

Bethany Robertson is a social entrepreneur with over two decades of experience. She co-founded the I Do Foundation in 2000, creating a movement around charitable giving at weddings. More recently, she served as co-founder and co-director of Parents Together Foundation. Bethany has championed co-leadership models and flexible organizational structures throughout her career, and currently focuses on local community organizing in Washington, DC.

Note: Host Monisha Kapila served on the I Do Foundation board starting in 2006 and brings her perspective to the conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

Lean Impact by Ann Mei Chang - Brings Lean Startup philosophy into the social sector

Email: podcast@leadershipbypurpose.com

Keywords: nonprofit leadership, organizational merger, social entrepreneurship, nonprofit sustainability, founder journey, co-leadership, organizational restructuring, I Do Foundation, Parents Together Foundation, nonprofit transition, leadership identity, grassroots organizing

What does it look like when a nonprofit board chooses to sunset an organization with intention, transparency, and care? In this episode, I sit down with Angela Romans and Kristina Gawrgy, former staff and board members of AchieveMission, to explore their thoughtful approach to organizational transition.

AchieveMission was a capacity-building organization serving the nonprofit sector with a focus on talent management and equity-centered organizational practices. When the executive director decided to step down during COVID, the board faced a pivotal decision: search for new leadership, pursue a merger, or sunset the organization. We share how the board navigated this choice while centering values of transparency, community care, and racial equity.

We discuss the dynamics of supporting Black women in leadership, the operational realities of dissolution, communication strategies with stakeholders, and what it means to wind down an organization in a way that honors both the work and the people who made it possible.

Guest Bios:

Angela Romans served as a Partner at AchieveMission and brought her expertise in organizational transitions to leading the sunset process.

Kristina Gawrgy served as a board member at AchieveMission and played a key role in communication strategies through the sunset process.

Note: Host Monisha Kapila also served on the AchieveMission board during this transition and brings her perspective to the conversation.

In This Episode:

• The evolution of AchieveMission and its capacity-building work
• How the board approached the decision to sunset
• Centering racial equity and supporting Black women leaders during transition
• The legal and operational realities of nonprofit dissolution
• Communication strategies with staff, funders, and community partners
• Creating legacy through knowledge sharing and resource distribution
• Lessons learned for other organizations facing similar crossroads

Resources Mentioned: AchieveMission's Sunset: A Case Study - BoardSource https://boardsource.org/achievemissions-sunset/

Email: podcast@leadershipbypurpose.com

What happens when a nonprofit merger doesn't unfold the way you expected? Rey Faustino, Founder and CEO of One Degree, shares the story of merging his tech-driven nonprofit with another organization—and the lessons learned along the way.

One Degree uses technology to connect low-income families with critical community resources. When Rey decided to pursue a merger to accelerate growth, he discovered that cultural integration, financial realities, and change management were far more complex than the deal itself.

In this conversation, Rey opens up about navigating a merger and unmerger, and keeping the community at the center when everything else felt uncertain. His honest reflections on what worked, what didn't, and how he's grown as a leader offer valuable insights for anyone leading through organizational change.

What You'll Learn:

• Why Rey believed a merger could accelerate One Degree's mission
• The cultural and operational challenges that emerged post-merger
• How financial difficulties forced tough decisions about staffing
• What it takes to maintain community focus during organizational upheaval
• Rey's perspective on leadership, empathy, and navigating change

Connect with Rey: One Degree: https://about.1degree.org/