The Dayton Foundation gave leaders of 72 local non-profit organizations an overview Thursday, March 19, of its new initiative to help them forge possible alliances to survive in these tough economic times.

Foundation President Michael Parks said he hopes the new Nonprofit Alliance Support Program will lead to six to 10 meaningful and significant mergers, partnerships and alliances within the next six months.

The Foundation is partnering with Montgomery County and the Dayton Power and Light Foundation on the pilot program, whose goal is to help strengthen the network of agencies. Many nonprofits are experiencing cuts in funding at a time when they're seeing a greater need for their services.

More than 150 people attended the breakfast meeting at the Dayton Racquet Club in the Kettering Tower. The nonprofit executive directors were encouraged to attend with a board member to learn more about possible collaborations.

"We're not advocating one method or form over another," Parks said earlier. "We're saying, 'Let us provide technical help and assistance through consultants to help you figure out what is best for your organization because one size does not fit all.' "

During Thursday's meeting, Foundation officials spotlighted some successful area mergers, partnerships and alliances. They included the 1999 merger of Goodwill and Easter Seals; the 2006 merger of Carillon Historical Park and Montgomery County Historical Society into Dayton History; and last year's YMCA of Greater Dayton merger with three YMCAs in Greene County.

Nonprofit leaders who attended the meeting were invited to submit a letter explaining why they're interested in looking at a significant partnership or merger.

Twenty of those organizations will be selected to attend an in-depth workshop to explore collaborations.

After that, each of those 20 organizations' boards of trustees will meet with a consultant to create a mission assessment document reviewing their strengths and weaknesses and possible partners to align with. They then will be able to apply for competitive grants to implement those suggested partnerships.

"They recognize so many of us are so busy trying to keep our organizations afloat and deliver good programs that it makes it really tough to pursue these sorts of efficiencies," said Cityfolk executive director John Harris.

Parks said the Foundation would provide technical assistance through consultants to help agencies figure out what might be best for their organization.

The Dayton Foundation will help pay the cost of implementing the plan.

"We'll put in 70 percent of the cost," Parks said, noting that the collaborating non-profits will pick up the rest.