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Issue #261
January 28, 2009

Take Action! Urge Governor Granholm to Support Nonprofits with Federal Stimulus Dollars

In light of the expected federal stimulus package that will be funneling dollars directly to the states for reinvestment in their economies, MNA is sending a letter to Governor Granholm, urging the Executive office to strongly support nonprofit requests for funding with the federal stimulus dollars. The text of the letter is below. We are inviting your organization to sign on to this letter as well. Signatures will be collected until COB on Thursday, January 29.

To sign on to the letter urging funding of nonprofits with federal stimulus dollars, email your name, title and organization to Tiffany Aurora at taurora@mnaonline.org by 5:00 p.m. on Jan 29.

Dear Governor Granholm:

On behalf of the Michigan nonprofit community and the one in 10 Michigan workers who are employed by our state's nonprofit sector, we strongly urge you to consider nonprofits as a key partner in rebuilding our economy and specifically in maximizing the return on federal stimulus funds flowing to the state.

Michigan's nonprofit sector is a vital economic engine in the state that annually generates $107.8 billion in total economic activity.  Dollars invested in nonprofits are immediately reinvested in communities by providing critical services and programs to those in need, employing Michigan residents (both directly and indirectly), and purchasing goods and services from businesses.  The nonprofit community further stimulates the state's economy by carrying out critical services, as well as leveraging individual giving, federal government funds, and foundation grants that all flow into Michigan.  Nonprofit organizations in Michigan serve a wide variety of purposes that aid individuals in need.  In addition, their expenditures provide vital economic support to the state's struggling economy.  While the nonprofit sector is not traditionally thought of as an economic powerhouse, its billions of dollars in expenditures and hundreds of thousands of employees are clearly a significant benefit to the state.

Like all industries in Michigan, the nonprofit sector is working to adapt to the changing economic environment.  Nonprofits are experiencing a significant increase in demand for services and a serious decline in support from foundations, business, government and individuals.  In some circumstances, donors have actually become clients.  As a major component of the social safety net, Michigan nonprofits need to work with government to ensure that Michigan can weather this economic storm. 

We understand that your office is developing an inventory of projects that will qualify to receive funding from the proposed federal economic stimulus package.  Michigan has a strong tradition of public/private partnerships. Taking into account the nonprofit sector's unique role in boosting the state's economy, we urge you to positively prioritize projects submitted for consideration by Michigan's nonprofit sector.  Michigan nonprofits have "shovel-ready" opportunities to provide vital services, employ the displaced, and create economic activity that directly impacts Michigan residents. 

Michigan's nonprofits want to continue their leadership role in ensuring Michigan's quality of life.  MNA and the nonprofit community we represent look forward to continuing the strong partnership the state has with its nonprofit sector and to ensuring Michigan not only recovers from its current economic challenges, but becomes a leader in economic revitalization and global competitiveness in the 21st century. 

Add your signature to this letter! Email your name, title and organization to Tiffany Aurora at taurora@mnaonline.org by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29.