The Dayton Foundation is launching an initiative to help nonprofit organizations forge possible alliances to survive in this shaky economy.

"We hope that within four to six months there will be six to 10 meaningful and significant mergers, partnerships and alliances," Dayton Foundation President Michael Parks said.

Foundation officials believe the community stands to lose some nonprofits in the next year because of the economy. The pilot program's goal is to help strengthen that network.

They will give an overview of the Nonprofit Alliance Support Program on March 19, during a 7:30 breakfast meeting at the Dayton Racquet Club in Kettering Tower.

About 200 invitations have been sent to recent grant recipients and other nonprofits, including Kids in New Directions, 2720 E. Third St.

The organization — which has offered after-school and summer programs to at-risk Dayton children since 1987 — already collaborates on various programs with the Dayton Urban League, the K12 Gallery for Young People, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and the Dunbar Institute.

"If there's a way to open new collaborative efforts, we're very much open to it," board Chairman Keith Valiquette said. "It would be a shame in these tough economic times for us to go down for the count."