These are undeniably the worst of times and we realize now more than ever before that nonprofit advocacy matters. Government policies and programs including strengthening charitable giving incentives, expanding nonprofit access to PPP loans, providing full unemployment benefit reimbursement, liability protections, and state and local aid are pivotal to how quickly, and how well nonprofits recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

MNA provided a "snapshot" of responses made by the end of 2020 in the impact survey. It's continuing to take responses for the study in the hopes of collecting a broader pool of responses from the state's nonprofit sector and getting a sense of the impact the second round of PPP and annual appeals that are closing out will have for nonprofits, Kelley Kuhn said.

“Nonprofits across Michigan have been on the front line since the beginning of the pandemic providing essential services to our local communities and families. The need for help has increased greatly as the coronavirus pandemic stretches on. Food banks, homeless shelters, and so many others have workers and volunteers who have put themselves at risk to meet the unprecedented demand. We hope that nonprofits would be given the same consideration as other essential workers and would be considered a priority for the next stage of vaccine distribution.” – Kelley Kuhn, vice president, Michigan Nonprofit Association.

Nonprofit organizations have been among those forced to adapt change and overcome survival challenges in 2020.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair called Donna Murray-Brown, president/CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, to discuss what was learned in 2020 and how that will carry forward in 2021.  

LANSING, Mich.﹘Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) has been named the winner of three prestigious awards for the organization’s efforts to mobilize and create awareness about the importance of the 2020 Census campaign. MNA is honored to have been awarded a Gold Davey Award for public service and activism, and a Silver Davey Award for charitable/nonprofit film and video by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) for MNA’s  “Kids Count, Too!” video. Additionally, the video won a Communicator Award which is also sanctioned and judged by AIVA.

Donna Murray-Brown, President and CEO, of MNA says in some cases, donations have dropped 30 to 40 percent. She adds that federal funding has helped those groups weather the storm, but the future is still uncertain.

"Michigan nonprofits have been on the front lines, since the beginning of the pandemic " explained Joan Gustafson, External Affairs Officer, with the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). "And, they are providing these essential services and more to the most vulnerable of our communities, while at the same time trying to stay afloat themselves with the same challenges as many businesses."

The Michigan Nonprofit Association, in coordination with the Council of Michigan Foundations and the United Way have also provided a valuable resource in their Giving Wisely brochure, a joint publication which helps Michigan residents make smart choices when donating during the holiday season, while also reminding residents of the importance of giving their time by volunteering.

LANSING, Mich. — #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving and unity that will take place on December 1 and continue throughout the year. Michigan nonprofits are on the front lines during a global health pandemic providing essential services to vulnerable communities and demand has skyrocketed. “With #GivingTuesday coming up, I want people to recognize how utterly important it is for them to continue to donate to their favorite organizations and even support a new organization,” said Donna Murray-Brown, President and CEO of Michigan Nonprofit Association. “This is an opportunity for donors to have a direct impact, and maybe even give a little more this year because the demand and need is greater.”

Michigan nonprofits are struggling to do more with less resources amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic distress it has caused. Sarah Pinder, Engagement Director at Michigan Nonprofit Association, talks about what is at stake and how community members can pitch in and support Michigan nonprofits.

Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) is excited to welcome Mariana Martinez as the new Director of Civic Engagement Initiatives. In this role, Ms. Martinez will be tasked with leading MNA’s program to educate nonprofits on how their communities can have a voice in creating more equitable and representative districts.

Michigan Nonprofit Association congratulates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their victory as president-elect and vice president-elect. Harris is the first woman of color to become vice president of the United States and this historic moment represents the millions of minority women who have often been historically underrepresented and overlooked.

Originally published on Crain's Detroit Business on October 18, 2020.

October 15, 2020 - Census 2020 Michigan Nonprofits Count Campaign is disappointed with Tuesday’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court which ends the 2020 Census count early. The ruling overturns previous rulings from lower courts that directed the Census Bureau to continue the count until October 31.

Originally published on WDIV Local 4 on October 14, 2020.

Originally published on WGVU on October 7, 2020.

Originally published on The Sault News on October 7, 2020.

Originally published on Upper Michigan Source on October 6, 2020.

Originally published on News Channel 3 on October 6, 2020.

Originally published on Keweenaw Report on October 6, 2020.