35th Anniversary
Michigan Nonprofit Association is proudly celebrating its 35th anniversary! Join us in our anniversary celebrations and learn more about our journey.
MNA's 35th Anniversary
Thank You Notes | Happy 35th Anniversary MNA!
Milestones
1998: Initial conference created Michigan Nonprofit Forum (predecessor to MNA)
1990: Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) incorporated
1993: MNA reorganized into a membership organization
2000: Connect Michigan Alliance was formed with a $10 million state appropriation and a challenge grant that raised $10 million in matching private funds
2004: Michigan Nonprofit Council for Charitable Trusts is created and chaired by Michigan's Assistant Attorney General
2007: Connect Michigan Alliance and MNA merge
2009: Creation of Michigan Nonprofit Caucus at the state Legislature
2011: MNA moves to the Marshall Street Armory with Capital United Way, Michigan Association of United Ways, Capital Region Community Foundation, Food Bank Council of Michigan, and Big Brothers Big Sisters
2015: MNA Celebrates 25th anniversary
2018: 2020 Census Campaign Press Conference in Detroit
2019: Incorporated DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion & justice) as core values
2023: MNA Advocated for the Inclusion of $50M in the Fiscal Year Budget to Create and Fund a Relief Program for Charitable Nonprofits + Launched ‘We Are 501 c 3’ Campaign
2024: Distributed Funds to Nonprofits through the $50M MI Nonprofit Relief Fund
2025: MNA’s 35th anniversary
Letter from the CEO & President, Kelley Kuhn
Thirty-five years ago, the Michigan Nonprofit Association (originally known as the Michigan Nonprofit Forum) was founded from a simple yet powerful question: "WHAT IF?" This question, posed by Russell Mawby, the then-president, and CEO of the Kellogg Foundation, sparked a vision: "What would happen if nonprofits from all around the state, regardless of their individual missions, came together in the spirit of collaboration and partnership?" That vision became a turning point, leading to the creation of MNA.
Russell Mawby, Former President & CEO of the Kellogg Foundation
(credit: Andrea King-Collier)
Today, the work MNA does is rooted in partnership and collaboration, and we have much to celebrate this year. We look back on several groundbreaking initiatives such as the $50M MI Nonprofit Relief Fund Program, which MNA successfully advocated for and managed in partnership with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). As a way to ground the MI Nonprofit Relief Fund in community engagement, we invited nonprofit leaders to inform and guide each step of the grant process life cycle. MNA’s experience has demonstrated that relevant and sustainable change at a community level happens when community leadership owns and drives that process. Other highlights include the Census 2020 Michigan Complete Count Initiative, COVID-19 webinars and programs, and the exhilarating launch of the "We Are 501 c 3 campaign, which highlights the critical mission work of nonprofits.
Over the past 35 years, MNA has become a driving force for nonprofit advocacy and equity, with diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice introduced as core values. There is no question that MNA has made a significant impact on behalf of the sector. Despite the challenging circumstances, including the toll of the 2020 pandemic, Michigan's nonprofits have proven resilient and continue to be a safety net for our communities. Before the pandemic, nonprofits employed nearly 470,000 Michiganders—just over 1 in every 10 Michigan jobs. During the pandemic, it was nonprofits, health agencies, and hospitals that provided a lifeline to many vulnerable communities. While the pandemic tested us, it also strengthened our voice, built new partnerships, and gave nonprofit leaders new optimism.
MNA will continue to rise to meet any challenge, and together, we look forward to celebrating even more milestones as we write the next chapters of our history. We invite you to be part of our 35th celebration!
Here’s how you can join us in marking this special milestone:
- #WeAre501c3 – Share your mission and impact stories on social media by using the hashtag #WeAre501c3 in your digital posts and online storytelling.
- Join our vast network of MNA members. A membership with MNA provides access to a powerful network of resources and advocacy support, both at the state and federal levels. As a member, your organization benefits from MNA's dedicated advocacy efforts that work tirelessly on behalf of nonprofits to influence policies and legislation that directly impact your work. MNA serves as your dedicated voice in both Lansing and Washington, D.C.
- In addition to advocacy, an MNA membership unlocks a range of exclusive benefits designed to strengthen and simplify nonprofit operations. Members receive valuable policy insights and updates on key issues.
- Also, take advantage of discounts for job postings on MNA’s Job Center, helping you recruit top talent, and discounted Tax990 Services to simplify the nonprofit tax filing process. Moreover, MNA members enjoy discounted rates for MNA events.
- Subscribe to MNA’s newsletter, YouTube channel, and follow us on our other social media platforms. A strong online presence is key to ensuring our voices are heard. By working together, we can strengthen our collective influence and drive meaningful change.
As we celebrate 35 years of impact this year, we eagerly look ahead to the next 35, knowing that the future of Michigan's nonprofit sector is bright, and MNA will continue to be who we are: champions for Michigan’s nonprofit sector!
Sincerely,
Kelley Kuhn
President & CEO
Governor Whitmer Congratulates MNA on its 35th Anniversary
