Our Impact

Our Impact

Michigan Nonprofit Association has been supporting Michigan nonprofit organizations for the past 35 years. During this time period, nonprofits have become increasingly important to the state. Not only do nonprofits provide essential services to Michigan’s communities, but they also make a significant contribution to the overall economy. 

MNA’s Advocacy for $50M Relief Fund for Nonprofits

When 2020 began, no one imagined the challenges Michigan’s residents and its economy would face. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, nonprofits persevered.  They played a key role in keeping Michigan going- nonprofits stepped up and provided critical services to local communities and families. Even as many were dealt a tremendous blow by the public health and economic consequences of the pandemic. 

In the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, it was nonprofits, health agencies and hospitals which provided a lifeline to many vulnerable Americans.

Before the pandemic, Michigan’s nonprofits employed nearly 470,000 Michiganders representing just over 1 in every 10 Michigan jobs or almost 11% of Michigan’s workforce.

As the pandemic unfolded, MNA became a strong advocate for Michigan’s nonprofits, tirelessly pushing for financial relief. After two years of advocating, the Michigan Fiscal Year Budget for 2023 included $50 million in funding for a dedicated relief program for nonprofits, using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

In partnership with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), MNA designed a relief program that provided general operating grants to small nonprofits, helping them regain their footing. Through this program, we were able to assist over 1,478 nonprofits across Michigan, ensuring that they could continue their important work during unprecedented times.

Census 2020 Count

• In July 2017 Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) was awarded a 3-year grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to launch 2020 Michigan Nonprofit Counts Campaign.
•  Between September 30, 2019, and late November 2019, the Michigan Nonprofit Association soft launched a statewide multi-media campaign focused on diverse and local community voices in areas home to the state’s undercounted populations.
• MNCC partners, including the Nonprofit Complete Count Committee (NPCCC) members, hub sites, and grantees were tapped for feedback, which was incorporated for the full launch on January 6, 2020.

In 2017, the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) and the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF), with the support of several foundations, developed the Michigan Nonprofits Count Campaign (MNCC). This campaign builds on valuable lessons learned from the 2010 U.S. Census, during which MNA launched a statewide initiative to enlist local nonprofits as trusted partners in reaching historically undercounted populations. To address the anticipated undercount in 2020, the campaign was designed with a more advanced and expansive civic engagement structure, surpassing previous efforts in scope and sophistication.

A multi-layered structure supports this initiative and involves federal, state, and local partnerships. The structure includes funders, government, nonprofits, and state residents that receive various forms of support, including grants, data, convening resources, and communication tools.

Hub Site Participants

Thirteen regional organizations served as hub sites for their area of the state. By June of 2018, the following 10 hub sites were identified: Battle Creek Community Foundation, Capital Area United Way, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Community Foundation of Marquette County, United Way of the Battle Creek & Kalamazoo Region, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Fremont Area Community Foundation, Heart of West Michigan United Way, Midland Area Community Foundation, and Nonprofit Network. In April 2019, Berrien Community Foundation, Networks Northwest, and Northeast Michigan Community Foundation hubs were added.

Capacity Building/Learning Surveys

The capacity building/learning survey was used to measure hub sites’ knowledge of the U.S. Census and MNCC activities, as well as networking among hub sites.

Peer Learning Calls & Retreat Surveys

MNA met one-on-one with hub sites to provide technical assistance and convened representatives from each hub site at quarterly retreats to provide support and networking opportunities. Content included updates on information released from the U.S. Census Bureau, work of the hub sites and their grantees, communication/marketing and evaluation efforts, lessons learned, time to brainstorm solutions to challenges, and plans for future work. In between one-on-one meetings and the quarterly retreats, two peer learning calls provided a platform for MNA to check-in with all the hubs simultaneously. 

WeAre501c3 Campaign

 In November of 2023, MNA launched its new ‘We Are 501 c 3’ campaign on Giving Tuesday. The campaign was created to amplify the voices of nonprofits and raise awareness about the crucial work they do in communities across Michigan. With a focus on storytelling, this campaign highlights the real-life impact nonprofits have on individuals and families, showcasing how they address issues like education, healthcare, economic development, and more. The campaign was created by nonprofits, for nonprofits to shine a light on their missions and the positive changes they bring to society. By sharing powerful stories, MNA aims to foster a deeper understanding of the sector's value and build support for the challenges nonprofits face, while encouraging public engagement and collaboration with the nonprofit community. 

View We Are 501c3 Stories

MNA’s Digital Impact

 Over the past 35 years, Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) has significantly expanded its digital presence, leveraging the power of online platforms to amplify its message and engage with its community. One of MNA’s proudest achievements is its ever-growing video catalog, which has become a vital resource for sharing impactful stories and connecting with stakeholders. The organization’s social media footprint has experienced remarkable growth, with viral videos on TikTok, a skyrocketing LinkedIn presence, and a highly engaged audience on Facebook and Instagram. These platforms, combined with MNA’s informative newsletters, enable the association to reach and mobilize thousands of people across Michigan. By tapping into the potential of digital media, MNA continues to raise awareness, advocate for the nonprofit sector, and ensure that vital messages are heard loud and clear across multiple channels.