Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

WARWICK, R.I. -- Facing an economic slump, some of the state's nonprofit organizations may merge to survive, said speakers at a United Way of Rhode Island conference Monday.

"A merger is not something that happens quickly," said United Way President Anthony Maione at the Radisson Airport Hotel in Warwick. Still, a number of agencies are considering the move.

Of the 230 agencies that responded to a recent United Way survey, nearly a third said they may merge with another agency. Others are laying off workers and slashing budgets, said Donald Keinz, president of Acadia Consulting Group, the Providence company that authored the study.

Some 60 percent of those polled said the demand for their services has increased. Meanwhile, nearly 40 percent expect to operate in the red because of a decline in donations and state aid. "It's a perfect storm for nonprofits -- but not in a good way," Keinz said.

 Tags  economy Rhode Island

Comments

Dave said:

This is smart business. Now why the heck can't we get a lot of government entities to merge and downsize???????????????????

Link | April 27, 2009 11:58 AM
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Carol said:

This should be done not only for non-profits in the state, but for fire/police/teachers and any other group that would benefit from the savings. We are a small state with too many groups of any kind.

Link | April 27, 2009 12:07 PM
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