The tough economy is shrinking the pool of dollars available for non-profit organizations.

That has grant-makers wanting increased financial accountability from non-profits, or else they'll get no money. In fact, foundations are considering asking non-profits not only to streamline their day-to-day operations and collaborate more, but they may ask some to consider merging. That would save money on salaries, other overhead and perhaps put more money into the hands of the the intended recipients or projects.

Non-profits, meanwhile, worry that a merger would mean a change of mission for one organization or the other - or both - since priorities between each would be different.

From WACG in Augusta, Mary Ellen Cheatham reports on the issue.