Umbrella organization

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For the fictional company set in the Resident Evil videogame series, see Umbrella Corporation.

An umbrella organization is an association of (often related, industry-specific) institutions, who work together formally to coordinate activities or pool resources. In business, political, or other environments, one group, the umbrella organization, provides resources and often an identity to the smaller organizations. Sometimes in this kind of arrangement, the umbrella organization is to some degree responsible for the groups under its care. Compare to franchises and subsidiaries.

There may be many reasons for establishing/joining an umbrella organization;

The ability to carry out activities which could not be accomplished alone, due to

Economies of scale;
A better pool of experts and experience;
Shared apprenticeship and exchange of know-how;

A sense of community and support that makes people and corporations derive utility from multilateral and shared activities;
An increased brand/public awareness.
Legality of pursued action(s).

Example organizations

AFL-CIO and other national trade union centers
ACTIVE
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
The Ulster Defence Association
The National Retail Federation
The Public Health Training Network
Transport for London
United Jewish Communities
Yamaguchi-gumi
Canadian Hockey League
Mujahedeen Shura Council
The former KGB
CIA
Fox Network
Department of Public Safety

Umbrella organization

Example organizations

See also