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The events of this past year have shined a light on the critical role nonprofits play in supporting Michigan’s residents and communities.
While the need for nonprofit services increased, particularly among communities hardest hit by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, nonprofit needs increased dramatically, too.
The deep, challenging work on vision and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice that the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) had been doing in the months prior to the pandemic allowed us to nimbly pivot: We served as a partner to and advocate for the state’s nonprofits, empowering them to continue the work that is so vital to their communities.
The value of MNA membership cannot be measured by what a single organization gets; you have to look at the benefits gleaned by the entire state. This sentiment is illustrated perfectly by MNA’s efforts to forge partnerships and offer resources to help nonprofits across the state navigate the constant change brought on by COVID-19, the intersecting issues of racial injustice, and through our leadership on the three-year Census 2020 Michigan Nonprofits Count Campaign, which you’ll read about in the following pages.
While the recovery line might keep moving, we will continue to advance in securing resources, providing innovative tools and practical information, forming and strengthening partnerships, and cultivating an even stronger sense of community and collaboration.
Together, no matter what challenges we face, we will remain resilient. For each other, for our communities, and for our state as a whole.
Sincerely,
Donna Murray-Brown
President & CEO
Paula Cunningham
Chair, Board of Directors