Strategic Alliances in Times of Disruption - Part 1: Charting a Path Forward

The political, funding, and market upheavals of 2025 have once again led to significant disruptions in the business models and financial stability of many nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation wants to help nonprofit executive directors and board members assess their organization's health and explore strategic alliances to build resilience and enhance community impact.

The key is not to wait too long! Now is the time to evaluate and decide whether your organization should continue on its own or partner up for a stronger future. 

In this 2-part series presented by Fio Partners, participants will learn about different types of partnership and consolidation structures, and how to assess their organization's long-term health.  We will help you determine whether a strategic partnership may be the key to a successful, sustainable future. 

Part 1: Charting a Path Forward 
January 22, 2026 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
In this 90-minute session, Fio Partners will discuss the current nonprofit landscape and the importance of a leadership mindset during challenging times. Designed with Executive Directors and Board Chairs in mind, this introductory webinar will cover the many reasons to consider an alliance, define different partnership models and help organizations get started. Fio will also discuss how to responsibly wind down or dissolve an organization.

Part 2: Assessing Your Position 
February 11, 2026 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Fio Partners return to help organizations assess their fiscal, programmatic and relational health. Multiple assessment tools will be introduced including an Early Warning Financial Assessment, Program Viability and Market Position Assessment and a tool to measure Leadership Mindset and Mission Assets. Registration for Part 2 coming soon!

Cohort Coaching Experience
To further support the exploration and development of strategic alliances, The Community Foundation will provide an opportunity for interested and motivated organizations to apply for three hours of coaching with an associate from Fio Partners. Organizations will be eligible to apply for coaching if they:

• attend Webinars 1 and 2;
• submit a forthcoming application; and
• complete at least one of the Assessment Tools that will be provided by Fio Partners.  

A cohort of up to 10 Executive Directors will be selected for coaching, which will take place in March 2026. The cohort will gather on April 9, 2026 for a full-day work session with Fio to further explore partner selection and cultivation, how to negotiate an alliance and how to develop agreements. More information about the Cohort Coaching Experience will be shared with webinar participants.

About the Presenters

Anne Yurasek, Managing Principal, Fio Partners
Anne Yurasek started her career at Deloitte Consulting and has been an organizational development consultant and trainer for 20+ years in the nonprofit and private sectors. In 2007, she co-founded Fio Partners, a consulting firm that serves nonprofits, foundations and government organizations. Her strength lies in her ability to listen to her clients’ needs and develop customized solutions. From working with large nonprofits such as community colleges, libraries and philanthropic organizations to working with cross-sector collaboratives, she supports leaders in making critical strategic decisions. Yurasek is viewed as a strong partner and strategic advisor to both nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, including current and former clients such as Community Foundation for Western Massachusetts, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Liberty Bank Foundation, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Youth INC, the United Ways of Connecticut, Hartford Public Schools, and many more. Her ability to guide organizations through their inflection points – whether due to consolidation or growth – is unsurpassed. Yurasek has an MBA in Management from Columbia University and a BA in Psychology from Wellesley College. 

Melissa, Harris, Director of Service Development, Fio Partners
Melissa Harris is a researcher and strategist who helps nonprofit leaders build shared understanding, direction and voice. As Director of Service Development, she crafts relevant offerings and tools and oversees the research team. She regularly serves as a project advisor and leads select client engagements. Harris brings her experience developing nonprofit brands, engagement programs and communications to her work at Fio Partners. Her previous roles include Director of Strategy and Communications at CO:LAB, a brand development and design studio dedicated to nonprofits, and Director of Communications for the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits. She has a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Providence College and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy from Bay Path University.

Questions? Please contact Allison Abramson.