The nonprofit sector has historically viewed nonprofit merger and acquisition activity, or “consolidation,” warily. Most such activity is undertaken opportunistically; that is, to deal with financial distress or leadership departures. But mergers approached strategically and carried out well can increase the ability of nonprofit groups to reach more clients and serve them better, maybe even at a lower cost. The Bridgespan Group examined more than 3,300 nonprofit groups engaged in mergers across four states over 10 years, discovering a set of critical success factors and scenarios under which mergers and acquisitions have been successful. The presenter will review Bridgespan’s findings and engage in a discussion of the current climate for merger and acquisition activity, with focus on how nonprofits can navigate it.