Summer Reading List

Remember those infamous summer reading lists? Why didn’t that fun seem to continue past high school? Oh yeah, I still have a reading list, it’s just now a giant pile on my table (and spilling onto the floor) of work-related books, articles, as well as personal guilty pleasures like (gasp) Ayn Rand. I was [...]

Are you a Best Managed Nonprofit?

Detroit-area nonprofits listen up! Crain’s Detroit Business is searching for the Best Managed Nonprofits. For all the details and an application, read Crain’s article about this year’s search: http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090730/FREE/307309991/-1#
Crain’s states that this year’s search will focus on ways nonprofits are meeting the challenges of the economy. Applications are due August 10 so [...]

The Value of Volunteers

This week the Corporation for National and Community Service released Volunteering in America 2009, a report on volunteering trends and demographics. It’s important for nonprofits to review and use a report such as this to help with volunteer engagement. Consider how your organization can use the results to motivate and engage current and [...]

Resource Friday: Federal Stimulus FAQs

In an ongoing effort to provide up-to-date information about federal stimulus funding, MNA has launched a Frequently Asked Questions page on our web site about the stimulus dollars as they relate to nonprofits. This page provides answers to frequently asked questions from the nonprofit community about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and [...]

Spread the Word to End the Word

It’s no secret that nonprofit organizations are in the business of raising awareness, not to mention funds. Over time, the tools and methods may change, but in the end, personal relationships are one of the strongest allies that nonprofits have to make meaningful connections to donors. Today, the tools are changing rapidly, including the immersion [...]

Member Perspective: MNA Member Goes Mobile

When I called the main line at the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, the phone rang as usual. I entered the extension for Associate Director Melanie Piana, but her phone didn’t ring at her desk, in fact, her desk wasn’t even there. I was seamlessly transferred to Piana’s cell phone, where she was ready to answer [...]

Generation Service

Last week we celebrated volunteers across Michigan and the nation as President Obama signed the Serve America Act into Law and MNA released its annual Snapshot on Giving & Volunteering in Michigan 2008 report. This survey found 9 out of 10 people made a contribution to charity in the previous year, and nearly 50 [...]

The Giving Spirit in Michigan

As unemployment numbers across the nation are on the rise, nonprofit organizations are seeing an increase in their volunteer base. Volunteers are critical to the success of nonprofits to address and serve community needs. This week the nation celebrates volunteers. On Wednesday, Michigan Nonprofit Association led a celebration of giving and volunteering [...]

Building Blocks for Strong Nonprofits

Building a strong, healthy relationship with your Board can be difficult, especially during transitional times of new leadership, staff or board members. Nonprofit leaders may feel their board is not supportive or invested enough in the organization, and new board members may feel there is little guidance or orientation from staff or veteran board [...]

Resource Friday: 2009 Economic Benefits of Michigan’s Nonprofit Sector report

Many Michigan nonprofits shared with Michigan Nonprofit Association and the Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University in a recent survey that they are seeing an increase in demand for services. With the downturn of the economy, we know too well that resources are becoming harder to find and more competitive. Michigan Nonprofit [...]