When Strategic Alliances Go Wrong

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle unpack why alliances between not-for-profit organisations often start with strong intent but struggle over time.

They explore what makes an alliance different from a merger or joint venture, and why clarity, governance, relationship management, and mutual benefit are critical to long-term success.

The conversation covers:

1. Why alliances are formed in the NFP sector
2. The risks of unclear roles and expectations
3. How scope creep quietly destabilises partnerships
4. The impact of leadership changes
5. Why cultural alignment matters
6. Governance and decision-making challenges
7. Conflict resolution and escalation processes
8. The importance of ongoing relationship investment

Michelle and Danielle also discuss a mistake organisations make: assuming goodwill alone will sustain an alliance.

Without regular check-ins, clear accountability, and agreed ways of working, even well-intentioned collaborations can drift off track.

This episode is essential listening for CEOs and senior leaders who are:

1. Entering an alliance
2. Managing an existing collaboration
3. Inheriting a partnership after leadership change
4. Navigating tensions within a multi-organisation arrangement

For more conversations on not-for-profit leadership, governance, strategy, and sector reform, visit

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn