Why Detroit?

Where will you be this week? Many nonprofits will be attending the Council of Michigan Foundations and Independent Sector Annual Conferences in Detroit.
Why Detroit? Some say because it’s ground zero for the economic stress of the nation with the Auto Manufacturers in crisis, the nation’s highest unemployment rate and a state government that [...]

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: Take Time to Measure Performance and Celebrate Successes

We all know Michigan has had its share of woes lately, so I’m eager to share some good news: As a state, we’ve made real and substantial progress when it comes to getting children off to a healthy start in life. Those who work in nonprofits aimed at improving the lives of children have reason [...]

Managing Transitions

“You should feel lucky to have a job in this current economy.” We hear this more and more recently as the unemployment rate jumps up to 14%. Yet we sometimes forget the nonprofit sector has, like many other industries, experienced significant turn over. Whether hiring for existing positions or creating new employment opportunities, [...]

Resource Friday: Get Connected! Free and Low Cost Tools for Small Group Collaboration

I often find in small nonprofit organizations a core group of dedicated individuals working hard on programs, projects and services targeting their mission. The smaller the organization, the more work that has to be done by its people to accomplish its goal. One thing I notice is that when everyone is busy and running around, [...]