Exit Strategic Options Lab

Build a mission-first program or organizational wind-down plan.

Evaluating a program closure or organizational wind‑down isn’t about failure – it’s about stewardship. By determining when and how to responsibly exit, nonprofits can protect mission integrity, safeguard community impact, and ensure that resources, clients, and staff transition to the strongest possible successors. This lab equips you with a mission‑first wind‑down plan ensuring a responsible, transparent, and integrity‑driven closure.

Note: This offering is part of our Strategic Options Lab program. Learn more here.

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Format and time commitment

• Four 90-minute modules
• Open consulting hours
• End-of-cohort evaluation survey
• A three-month and six-month check-in with GCN

Takeaway Tools & Templates

• Clarify the Case for Exit and Identify Successors:  Legacy Mapping Template, Asset Transfer Criteria Guide, Asset Transfer Recipient Research Tool, Criteria Matrix
• Plan Legal and Operational Transfer: Wind-Down Checklist, Legal Checklist, Financial Checklist, Wind-Down Budget Template, Stakeholder Messaging Worksheet
• Develop the Wind-Down Plan: Wind-Down Plan Template, Stakeholder Notification Planner

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Audience

Nonprofits whose boards conclude that a responsible exit of a program or organization best protects mission and community – e.g., nonprofits facing persistent structural deficits, duplicative services, leadership/scale constraints, or the existence of a stronger successor.

Team participation is strongly recommended. An ideal team includes organizational decision-makers such as the executive leader, finance lead, and program/operations lead, but may also include other relevant staff and board members.

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Included Courses

Module 1 | Clarify the Case for Exit

November 4 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Aligning board and leadership regarding “why now,” mission benefits, risks, and high-level timeline.

Toolkit:

• Legacy Mapping Template (programs, people, partners, place, IP)
• Runway & Wind-Down Budget Calculator (cash, obligations, severance, tail insurance)
• Risk & Dependencies Register (exit-specific)
• Board Resolution Templates (decision, authority, disclosures)

Module 2 | Identify Successor Organizations & Asset Recipients

November 18 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Determining the best stewards for programs, clients, funds, and assets.

Toolkit:

• Asset Transfer Criteria Guide (mission/fit, geography, DEI commitments, capacity)
• Successor Down-Select Matrix (weights and gates, NDA, conflict, donor consent)
• Grant/Contract Consent Tracker (assignments, novations, regrants)
• Client Continuity Planner (handoffs, SLAs, data-sharing agreements)

Module 3 | Plan Legal & Operational Exit

December 2 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Sequencing legal filings and operational close-out while protecting people and mission.

Toolkit:

• Legal/Compliance Checklist (state dissolution filings, AG/charitable division notifications, IRS final 990/termination, UPMIFA/cy-près pathways for restricted gifts)
• Severance & One-Time Cost Model + Payback/Runway View
• Contracts & Liabilities Map (leases, debt, IT, benefits, subawards)
• Records & Data Transfer Plan (DUAs, HIPAA/FERPA as applicable; archive schedule)
  • Note: GCN provides templates; organizations should obtain legal advice to finalize jurisdiction-specific steps.

Module 4 | Develop the Wind-Down Plan

December 16 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Locking the timeline, responsibilities, and messaging for a dignified, transparent exit.

Toolkit:

• Wind-Down Plan Template (milestones, dependencies, Day-0/Day-30/Day-90)
• Stakeholder Notification Planner (board, staff, clients, funders, volunteers, vendors, public)
• Staff Transition & Outplacement Pack (referrals, letters of service, benefits FAQs)
• KPI Dashboard (client continuity, consent completions, obligations settled)