Member Perspective: Mapping Michigan for the Future

“There is a need in my community. I want to help by starting a nonprofit.” This question or some variation of it comes in daily to the main line at Michigan Nonprofit Association. While the caller is almost always different, the response is generally the same. “First, is there anyone else working [...]

Member Perspective: Support Mentoring with Meijer Gift Cards

Do you find yourself buying gift cards for graduations, weddings, birthdays and other upcoming celebrations? Would you like to make your purchases more meaningful? On Saturday, June 20, 2009, your gift card purchases can really count for mentoring programs in Michigan. By purchasing a Meijer gift card of $25 or more this [...]

Party Surprise

Do you remember those birthday parties where you would celebrate someone else’s birth but you would get a present just for being a good friend? That’s sort of how I felt when one of my colleagues from work called me and said that MNA was recognized by the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan in [...]

Resource Friday: Utilizing Research to Support Your Work

A couple months ago MNA with the Council of Michigan Foundations, and the Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University released the 2009 Economic Benefits of Michigan’s Nonprofit Sector report. This report, released every three to four years, helps demonstrate the strength and size of Michigan’s nonprofit sector and should be used by nonprofits when [...]

Charities “Stockpiling Your Money?”

A MNA staff member recently brought to my attention the “Top Ten Lists” that are on the Charity Navigator website (a well-known charity watchdog group). The lists range from “10 Charities Drowning in Administrative Expenses” to “10 of the Best Charities Everyone’s Heard of” and 10 Charities Stockpiling Your Money,” which included the [...]

Resource Friday: Nonprofit Story Bank

Media across the state contact MNA to find local stories about nonprofit organizations. In an effort to help capture the stories of nonprofits in Michigan, MNA has developed a Nonprofit Story Bank for organizations to share their stories of success, new ventures, learned lessons and best practices. Nonprofits should never underestimate the [...]

A Social Media Bonanza!

This year’s Michigan Nonprofit SuperConference theme is Fueling Efficient Nonprofits, and there’s no better fuel than free or inexpensive social media tools. Learning the many social media tools available can be overwhelming, especially when a new, fancier tool comes along just about every five minutes. At this year’s conference, MNA is offering a Social [...]