2026 isn’t just another turn of the nonprofit M&A cycle. The choices leaders make over the next few quarters can decide whether they’re steering their own strategy or getting swept into someone else’s plan, and that’s a very different kind of pressure than “growth for growth’s sake.”

We sit down with Chris Wolf (COO of Boundless), Rich Yanoski (VP of Corporate Business Development at Merakey), and Stacy DiStefano (CEO of Consulting for Human Services) to unpack what’s driving consolidation across mental health, IDD services, autism services, and more.   You’ll hear why shrinking your way to stability can backfire, how partners may start evaluating assets instead of mission, and why an outside advisor helps leaders avoid blind spots.

Then we get practical about the forces shaping nonprofit sustainability right now: Medicaid uncertainty and HR1-related turbulence, limited funding appetite, and workforce shortages.   We also dig into board governance: what strong boards ask, how to align on strategic fit and organizational readiness, and how to keep the focus on community impact rather than brand symbols. 

If this conversation helps you think differently about scale, partnerships, or board readiness, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review so more nonprofit leaders can find it.

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