Letting Go to Grow: How Programmatic Asset Transfers Strengthen Nonprofit Impact

What happens when a program outgrows its original home, or when an organization’s priorities evolve, leaving successful programs in need of new champions? This is a challenge that many nonprofit leaders face, especially today as organizations navigate a turbulent funding environment and work to right-size their operations. A recent article by the Network for Nonprofit and Social Impact (NNSI) Lab in Stanford Social Innovation Review explores a powerful but underused strategy to meet this challenge: programmatic asset transfers.

At their core, programmatic asset transfers are about rehoming valuable nonprofit programs—such as food distribution initiatives, advocacy campaigns, or out-of-school learning networks—so they can thrive under organizations better suited to support them. While mergers and acquisitions often dominate conversations about nonprofit partnerships, our research shows that programmatic asset transfers offer a more nimble and strategic option for increasing social impact.

Why Transfer a Program?

In our study of 45 sustained nonprofit collaborations—including eight in-depth case studies of programmatic asset transfers—we identified three common scenarios where transfers can be an effective tool for growth and sustainability.

• Program Incubation: Organizations with a strong culture of innovation may excel at launching new ideas, but not at sustaining them. Transferring a “matured” program to a more operationally stable partner can keep it alive and growing.

• Strategic Redirection: Leadership transitions or changing priorities can lead nonprofits to reevaluate where their energy is best spent. Letting go of a successful program can actually open the door to deeper impact elsewhere.

• Unlocking Greater Potential: Sometimes, another organization is simply better positioned to scale a program—offering deeper expertise, a broader network, or better infrastructure.

Programmatic asset transfers have the potential to be catalytic. They not only preserve valuable initiatives, but also allow them to flourish in new environments. When carried out with foresight and care, these transfers can move a program from surviving to thriving, while helping the original organization pursue its mission with greater clarity and purpose. The story of Philly Food Rescue’s transfer to the Share Food Program is a prime example of how a thoughtfully executed programmatic asset transfer can breathe new life into a high-impact initiative. 

Still, there’s a common misconception among nonprofit leaders that continues to discourage them from pursuing programmatic asset transfers. In many cases, leaders only consider asset transfers when facing closure, and even then, they typically focus only on what appears on the balance sheet—buildings, vehicles, or equipment. But in reality, the most powerful assets nonprofits hold are often intangible: programs, relationships, data systems, community trust, and institutional knowledge. These are core to a nonprofit’s ability to generate impact—and they can, and should, be transferred when doing so allows them to thrive.

This myth persists in part because programmatic transfers are rarely discussed in nonprofit leadership. Many boards still define success as maintaining the organizational structure they inherited, which can make transferring a program feel like failure. But this is simply not the case. Transferring a program is a key act towards community stewardship and strategic social impact.

The question nonprofit leaders should be asking is not “How can we hold onto this program?” but rather “Where will this program have the greatest opportunity to thrive?”

Far from diminishing an organization’s legacy, a well-considered programmatic asset transfer strengthens it. It ensures that programs with real potential continue to evolve and expand where they are best supported, ultimately delivering greater benefit to the community and advancing the sector as a whole. Leaders can see themselves not just as program owners, but as stewards of community assets. 

Lessons for Leaders (and Funders)

While the potential is huge, programmatic asset transfers require thoughtful preparation. From our research, we surfaced four key lessons:

1. Funding Is Available to Support Well-Organized Transitions

Organizations do not have to navigate programmatic asset transfers alone. Pooled funds like the Sustained Collaboration Network offer grants and technical assistance to nonprofits engaged in strategic collaborations and programmatic transfers. Investing in transition support increases the chances that both the transferring and receiving organizations will succeed.

2. Plan for Programmatic Asset Transfers Before a Crisis

Evaluating programs for potential transfer should be a regular part of a nonprofit’s strategic planning cycle, not just something considered in emergencies. Proactive planning creates stronger partnerships and smoother transitions.

3. Legal and Operational Diligence Is Essential

Transferring a program involves more than moving a budget. It requires careful attention to contracts, human resources, intellectual property, and other operational considerations. Legal and management advisors can help nonprofits fully assess the risks and responsibilities involved.

4. Plan for Staff Transitions Thoughtfully

Staff are often the soul of a program. Retaining them through a transfer—or managing cross-organization arrangements—requires intentional communication and flexibility.

5. Grants and Contracts Don’t Always Transfer Easily

Funders should be brought in early. In some cases, contracts can’t be transferred, or the receiving organization may not meet eligibility requirements. Careful planning helps bridge funding gaps and ensures continuity of service. 

At the NNSI Lab, we believe programmatic asset transfers deserve more visibility and use. They’re not just an exit strategy, they’re a growth strategy, an innovation strategy, and a way to center community needs in every organizational decision.

We encourage nonprofit leaders, funders, and researchers alike to explore our full case studies, available here and read the full SSIR article for an in-depth analysis.