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M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

@murdocktrust

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The Murdock Trust partners with a diverse array of nonprofits who serve the common good across the Pacific Northwest.

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Merger conversations in the nonprofit sector come loaded with assumptions, many of which don't hold up.

In the @nonprofitoregon's webinar "Consolidating for Greater Impact: Exploring Nonprofit Mergers," Libra Forde, Amia Grashin, and Agnes Zach explored what it takes to navigate mergers and partnerships well. Here are some insights from the webinar:

🤝 Keep consolidation as an option, even when things are going well. Partnership shouldn’t be seen as a last resort. Nonprofits that practice “a discipline of unity,” as Libra describes it, will always keep consolidations and mergers on the list of strategic options.

🎯 Make mission the driving force. Mission focus and alignment were top of the list for merger success factors. The strongest question to start with is “does this equip us to better accomplish our mission?”

💭 Know your options before you assume “merger.” NAO provides a map that shows the full scale of partnerships, from lighter-touch collaboration to alliance to full strategic restructuring. Program sharing or shared admin staff are often good starting points.

🚪 Don’t let common myths close the door early. Merger conversations are often stigmatized, and a whole range of assumptions come with them – such as the idea that mergers only result from crisis or poor management, that organizations lose their identity, or that one organization wins and the other loses. Let real data and examples, not assumptions, drive your considerations.

Thank you to Libra, Amia, and Agnes, and the NAO team, for equipping nonprofit leaders with a thoughtful, grounded look at what it takes to build lasting partnerships.

Access the webinar recording and the full five-part series via link in bio.

#nonprofits #consolidation Text image with a teal background featuring a webinar titled, "Consolidating for Greater Impact: Exploring Nonprofit Mergers." It provides insights on navigating mergers and consolidations, mentioning a session with Libra Forde, Amia Grashin, and Agnes Zach via the Nonprofit Association of Oregon. by @murdocktrust

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2 days ago

Across our five-state footprint and all areas of work, external advisors contribute to the Trust by providing decades-long expertise, wisdom, and perspective. We’re excited to welcome three new Senior Fellows who will provide strategic support and guidance across scientific research, programs and policies, and higher education.

Please join us in giving Dr. Leah Chase, Professor of Biology and Chemistry at Hope College; Mary Louise McClintock, Former Senior Education Strategy and Policy Advisor at Oregon Community Foundation; and Dr. Scott Fletcher, Former Dean of Graduate School of Education and Counseling at Lewis & Clark a warm welcome!

Read the full announcement via link in bio. Three professional portraits of Murdock Trust new senior fellows by @murdocktrust

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3 days ago

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7 days ago

@mtnonprofit's (MNA) annual conference was three powerful days of insightful learning and genuine relationship-building. This year's theme of changemaking, big and small, felt especially fitting given the moment nonprofits are navigating.

From the keynote on authenticity in leadership to a range of incredibly helpful sessions and opportunities to engage directly with experts and consultants, we're grateful to MNA's team for putting together such a thoughtful gathering.

Thank you to the speakers who brought new perspectives, and to every attendee committed to the social sector and the state of Montana! Three people smiling inside a large decorative picture frame with the text "Change Makers Annual Conference" and "Montana Nonprofit Association." The frame is adorned with various small icons. by @murdocktrust

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9 days ago

What does it take to align national funding with local voices and vision? That's the question at the heart of the Nudlaghi Leadership Institute's Alaska Philanthropy Tour.

Our Vice President of Scientific Research, Aaron Putzke, joined this year's cohort, meeting with tribal leaders, innovators, and elders across Alaska. His takeaways: the depth of collaboration, open questions about how grantmaking can support and sustain culture, and what meaningful workforce development looks like in these communities.

As Aaron put it: “How do we listen to that? How do we hear what they need and what's most helpful for them when it comes to solutions?” A group of people gathered outside an earth-covered sod house in the Alaskan landscape, with one member gesturing towards it while others observe. taken in Alaska by @murdocktrust

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11 days ago

Where are we assuming we have an answer that we haven’t actually checked?

As a nonprofit leader and as part of the broader social sector, that's a question Murdock Trust CEO Romanita Hairston is sitting with this season.

In her September update, she shares how the transition to fall is an opportunity for us all to recenter a learning mindset. She explores three recent examples from the Trust: evaluation, listening, and our advisory cohort of senior fellows.

Read the full update via link in bio. Two individuals are sitting in a library, reading a book titled "The Secret Box." They appear focused and engaged. The background features shelves filled with books. Text overlay reads: "CEO Update - Staying Teachable in the Social Sector. by @murdocktrust

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15 days ago

"Evaluation should be curious and brave, not just confirmatory."

That mindset separates nonprofits that use evaluation to genuinely improve their impact from those using it to confirm what they already believe, according to a new qualitative study from @theforakergroup, @idahononprofits, @mtnonprofit, @nonprofitoregon, and @nonprofitwa, in partnership with @dialoguesinaction and with funding from the Murdock Trust.

The study draws on interviews with 110 nonprofit leaders across the Pacific Northwest and surfaces key findings, along with practical next steps for nonprofits, capacity-builders, and funders, plus two diagnostic tools.

Explore our summary and find the full report via link in bio.

#nonprofitevaluation #pnwnonprofit A group of people sits around a table covered with notepads, pens, and cups. They appear to be engaged in a discussion. In the background, there are various notes and papers attached to the wall, indicating a collaborative or brainstorming environment. by @murdocktrust

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17 days ago

After two full days of nonprofit board leadership curriculum and in-person connection, Green Room's 2026 cohort has completed Session 1.

This cohort had the highest-yet numbers of participants already serving on nonprofit boards, some of them as Board Chairs, but all 30 of these participants are influential leaders in their communities.

Green Room began as a response to community feedback: a call for more leaders of color in nonprofit board leadership. Since then, it has continued to grow thanks to Program Consultant Adrienne Livingston, Program Founder Rudy Carrasco, and Program Manager Sarah Ruckle, along with our talented coaches and faculty who add their own unique value and expertise to each cohort.

We're grateful to walk alongside this group of leaders as they learn and grow together! A group of people seated at a table, engaged in conversation and smiling. A conference room setting is visible with chairs and a display board in the background. by @murdocktrust

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18 days ago

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22 days ago

Some places are worth protecting simply because they make you stop and appreciate how lucky we are to experience them.

The rivers, mountains, and wild places around Idaho have given me some of my favorite memories and protecting them means making sure they’re still here for the next generation to enjoy.

The Henry’s Fork is more than just a beautiful stretch of water. It’s an ecosystem that supports wildlife, communities, agriculture, recreation, and so much of what makes this part of Idaho special.

I’m grateful to partner with Henry’s Fork Foundation and M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to help share the importance of protecting these waters for years to come and how nonprofits & foundations are supporting that work.

Explore it, Respect it, Protect it

#GenerosityBuilds taken in Idaho by @murdocktrust

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24 days ago

Programming that uplifts the lives of Latine youth. Leadership and education training for Latine women. Services targeted to the needs of the Latino community. This is some of the incredible work being done by three nonprofit partners in the Pacific Northwest: Latino Network, Adelante Mujeres, and Centro Cultural.

While we celebrate these organizations year-round, Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) is a specific time to honor the people and organizations working to enhance and support the lives of the Hispanic and Latino community.

Thank you to these three partners and all those advancing the flourishing of Latine youth, women, and families across our region.

*Note: It is Murdock Trust practice to defer to the preferences of our grantees regarding cultural terms. In this post, we use the preferred terms of each grantee (Latine, Latino, etc.) when speaking of their work. Four people wearing colorful outfits are performing a dance in front of a fountain. They are holding orange ruffled skirts and red scarves, with flowers in their hair. The background includes trees and buildings. The image has the text "Latino Network" displayed. by @murdocktrust

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25 days ago

In America's northernmost corner, Arctic Slope Community Foundation (ASCF)’s work is responsive to the needs of the eight communities it serves.

"It is everchanging, flowing, like a river," says Executive Director Patuk Glenn (@patukpatuk) "It all depends on the needs of our region."

Right now, that need is digital skills and technology support. ASCF's new Digital Literacy Manager, Richie Cahoon, works with city governments, tribal organizations, and local churches to assess existing infrastructure and skills, then build tailored plans.

Learn more about ASCF's work in the Arctic Slope: https://bit.ly/4d5G0r6 A group of people seated around a table in a casual meeting setting. Papers and notebooks are spread out on the table alongside cups and phones. A large poster on the bottom displays the text: "Building Technological Capacity in Alaska's Arctic Slope Region." by @murdocktrust

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a month ago