Why does it seem so frightening now?

I recently had the opportunity to work with board members and leaders in New Buffalo, Michigan, where I shared some information on technology and data in the nonprofit sector. When I asked participants what came to mind when they heard “AI,” the responses were all over the map. From “‘B’ careful” (get it?) and “scary!” to “endless possibilities” and “streamlining processes.”

The truth is that all those reactions can be valid when we’re talking about something that feels new. But one participant asked a question that stuck with me: Why does it seem so frightening now?

When we think about AI, it feels brand new. In reality, AI has been quietly helping systems—and people—for quite some time by recognizing patterns, learning from data, and making predictions. Think about autocorrect finishing your sentences, a streaming service like Netflix suggesting your next binge-watch, or your GPS rerouting you around traffic. Those are all everyday examples of AI working behind the scenes. Many of us have been benefiting from it for years without even realizing it.

What’s different now is that AI has shifted from being a passive tool to something we actively interact with. Instead of simply running in the background, users are now engaging with AI directly - asking questions, generating content, analyzing information, and shaping how work gets done. As a result, people are becoming more aware of its presence in our lives and more curious (and cautious) about what it can do. That awareness is also increasing the need for thoughtful, responsible engagement.

For nonprofits, the possibilities are significant. Organizations large and small can use AI to assess donor behavior, optimize email marketing, enhance social media engagement, detect potential fraud, assist with grant writing, provide website chat support, and much more. Tools like these can save time on repetitive tasks, analyze information quickly, improve communication, and surface insights hidden in data, freeing up more time for the work that matters most our missions.

Of course, the concerns are real too. AI systems can perpetuate bias, generate misinformation, create privacy risks, and encourage overreliance if we’re not careful. For some organizations, there are also valid questions about workforce disruption and how teams adapt to new ways of working.

That’s why the conversation around AI in the nonprofit sector shouldn’t be about fear or blind enthusiasm, it should be about intention. By establishing clear guidelines and boundaries for how we use AI, we ensure that human judgment, ethics, and oversight remain at the center of decision-making. AI can help us move faster, analyze smarter, and communicate better, but it is still our values, our relationships, and our commitment to community that guide the work. If we approach it together with curiosity, responsibility, and a little courage, AI doesn’t replace the human side of our work, it can help to strengthen it.

Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should.

Author: Anne de Irala

It’s a phrase I’ve said to myself in times of sudden inspiration- when I’m convinced bangs are the answer, or when my cursor hovers timidly over “reply all.” That simple statement has likely prevented months of awkward grow-out, and eyerolls from those email recipients.

The same statement matters even more when the decision carries higher stakes—like deciding to start a nonprofit.

Sure, you absolutely can Start a Nonprofit. And we’re here to help you, we teach and offer a Starting a Michigan Nonprofit course to walk you through the many steps. But before you start filing paperwork, here are some things to consider: 

It’s Probably Already a Thing

With so many nonprofits already doing work in our communities, (over 55k in MI) duplicating a service isn’t necessarily meeting a new need, or helping the community. Often its stretching existing resources already thin for already established nonprofits.

Do some research, who is already serving the people you intend to reach? As an example, Charity Navigator displayed over 670 animal welfare groups in Michigan already.  There are many ways you can bolster a nonprofit of your choice and their outcomes without duplicating resources. Volunteering, running a program, or serving on a board may be more beneficial to your intended clients than starting an additional organization from scratch.

It’s Not All the Fun Stuff

Working for a nonprofit is incredibly rewarding and can be fun; however, a thriving organization takes more work, energy, and time than most anticipate. Founders are often surprised at how much time they spend on fundraising, accounting, and IRS compliance rather than the ‘direct engagement’ work they love.

Not Every Nonprofit Succeeds

I’m not here to discourage you, but to help provide a reality check. Starting a new nonprofit is risky, with many nonprofits failing in the first few years.
Many are self-funded for years and face challenges maintaining engaged, skilled board members. If you aren’t yet clear how funding and board leadership will successfully support your mission, it is likely a sign that more preparation is needed or a different path may serve you and your community better. 

Again: Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should. Starting a nonprofit isn’t necessarily a bad idea—but it is a big one. And just like deciding on new bangs, it’s easy to confuse a moment of inspiration with long-term readiness. Pausing to ask "why" can save a lot of time, energy, and potential regret down the road.
So, when your “should” feels as certain as your “can,” you’ll know you’re ready. And when you are, Nonprofit Network is here to support you every step of the way.

Unless you decide on the bangs. For those, please call a professional stylist.  ;)

If you are interested in the Starting a MI Nonprofit on-demand course it does also come with a coaching session when you are ready and an option for a discounted new grassroots membership that provides you with access to all the policies you'll need and free access to our online Foundations of Board Governance recorded workshop. If you have any questions please email info@nonprofnetwork.org and Anne or Tracey will get in touch with you.

How to Promote Positive Childhood Experiences During the Holidays ✨

Author: Zoe Lyons

Positive Childhood Experiences help build resilience, belonging, and well-being. During the holidays—when stress, financial strain, and family pressures can increase—communities can intentionally create environments that support connection, safety, and joy for all children.

Below are practical, inclusive strategies organized around the seven PCEs identified in the HOPE framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences).

1. Create Opportunities for Nurturing, Supportive Relationships

• Host intergenerational events such as craft days, storytelling circles, or cooking nights with volunteers paired with kids.
• Encourage mentorship initiatives during school breaks—“holiday buddies” who check in with youth.
• Provide calm, supervised spaces at community events where overwhelmed children can decompress with supportive adults.

2. Foster a Sense of Belonging in a Multicultural Community

• Celebrate multiple winter traditions (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Solstice, Indigenous celebrations) with educational booths, music, or art displays.
• Train staff and volunteers on inclusive language and trauma-informed hospitality.
• Create community art projects (murals, trees of gratitude, lantern walks) where every child can contribute something meaningful.

3. Encourage Meaningful Participation in Community Traditions

• Let kids help lead parts of community events—greeting guests, running a kids’ table, facilitating games.
• Invite youth choirs, dance groups, or robotics clubs to perform or display their work.
• Offer low-cost or free activities where children can create gifts or decorations to share with others.

4. Support Safe and Stable Home Environments

• Organize no-questions-asked toy, coat, and food distributions that preserve dignity.
• Partner with local nonprofits to provide mini-grants or utility assistance to families struggling during the cold months.
• Make sure holiday events have clear signage, easy access, and predictable schedules to reduce anxiety for children.

5. Promote Social and Emotional Growth

• Set up “emotion stations” at holiday events with tools for kids to identify feelings, practice breathing, or take a quiet pause.
• Provide workshops for caregivers on managing holiday stress and supporting children’s emotional needs.
• Share simple, accessible SEL activities on social media throughout December (gratitude prompts, three-breath resets, kindness challenges).

6. Provide Access to Nature and Outdoor Play

• Host winter nature walks, sledding days, or “hot cocoa and hikes.”
• Create outdoor holiday scavenger hunts in parks or downtown spaces.
• Add free play spaces at community celebrations—loose-parts play, snow play, and unstructured movement areas.

7. Celebrate Children’s Strengths and Cultural Identities

• Highlight stories of local kids excelling in arts, sports, service, or academics.
• Invite families to share their home traditions through food, music, or objects in a community “holiday heritage station.”
• Display children’s artwork in public buildings, libraries, and health centers.
  
  

If you would like to learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences or Healthy Outcomes for Posiive Experiences Training for your staff we can bring this important work to your business or organization to help create a trauma-informed culture that helps your staff and community thrive, please email Zoe@nonprofnetwork.org

From ACEs to HOPE: A New Chapter in Healing and Thriving

Author: Zoe Lyons

For years, I have been sharing the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with anyone who will listen. And I mean anyone—professionals, community leaders, parents, neighbors, faith groups—because this research matters. It gives us language and understanding for something many of us have carried silently for too long. ACEs research shows us, in undeniable terms, how early adversity impacts lifelong health and well-being. Knowing this changes the way we see ourselves, our families, and our communities.

But ACEs is only the beginning of the story.

The question I hear so often is: “Now what?”

• How can I help a child feel safe and supported today?

• How can I strengthen connections in my family, school, or community?

• How can I make space for joy, belonging, and play?

That’s where the newest research on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) comes in—and I couldn’t be more excited to be certified to facilitate HOPE Sessions (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences). This is the “what next.” This is the part of the story that shifts us from simply understanding trauma to building resilience, connection, and healing.

The research on HOPE is powerful. It shows that positive experiences—things like feeling safe in your family, having a trusted adult to turn to, being part of a community where you belong, and experiencing joy and play—can actually buffer the impact of ACEs. These experiences don’t erase trauma, but they change the trajectory of a child’s life. They can reduce the long-term health risks we associate with ACEs and increase the chances of thriving, even in the face of adversity.

Think about that for a moment: healing doesn’t just happen when we remove what’s harmful. Healing also happens when we add what’s good.

That truth inspires me every day. Because while we can’t go back and undo the adversity that children—and adults—have faced, we can absolutely build more positive experiences starting now. Each of us has the power to create HOPE. Every conversation, every supportive relationship, every opportunity to show up for a child or a family adds to a well of resilience that lasts a lifetime.

What excites me most about this shift is that it gives us practical tools. ACEs awareness is essential—it wakes us up. But HOPE invites us into action. It challenges us to ask:

The answers don’t have to be big, dramatic gestures. Often, it’s the small, consistent acts of care that change lives. A teacher who remembers a student’s interests. A neighbor who checks in on a struggling family. A coach who listens. A community group that celebrates cultural traditions. These are the building blocks of HOPE.

Why Nonprofits Must Integrate HOPE

For nonprofit organizations—especially those serving children, families, and communities impacted by trauma—integrating the HOPE framework isn’t optional; it’s essential. Nonprofits are on the front lines of healing. They are the ones who see the long-term effects of adversity every single day. By weaving HOPE into their culture, programs, and policies, nonprofits can do more than address symptoms—they can actively build resilience in the people and communities they serve.

Embedding HOPE into organizational practices strengthens outcomes across the board: improved client engagement, reduced burnout among staff, and stronger, more connected communities. When staff members are trained to recognize and create positive experiences, every interaction—whether in a shelter, a classroom, or a community program—becomes an opportunity for healing. HOPE transforms not just the people we serve, but the people who serve.

Let’s Bring HOPE to Your Team

So, if ACEs opened our eyes, let HOPE open our hearts. Awareness alone isn’t enough—it’s time to build environments where positive experiences are intentional, consistent, and celebrated.

If you lead or work within a nonprofit organization, I invite you to take the next step. Let’s bring the HOPE framework to your team, your programs, and your community. Together, we can help your staff translate trauma awareness into daily, actionable practice—fostering resilience and belonging in every corner of your work.

I’d love to share this learning and transformation with you. Reach out to me, Zoe Lyons, and let’s talk about how I can bring a HOPE Session to your organization. Because every child deserves more than to survive adversity—every child deserves to thrive. And together, we can make that possible, Zoe@nonprofnetwork.org

Navigating the Hybrid Horizon: Mastering Meetings & Community Expectations

Author: Dr. Crystallee Crain

We’ve all been there, when all the technology needed for a meeting is confirmed and you begin to open your hybrid meeting on zoom or google meets – share your screen and welcome in person guests.

Then, suddenly, no one can see or hear you – the people in the room are getting squirmy and you’re trying not to appear frantic.

Well, we get it. 

We thought it might be helpful to share some tips and resources on preparing and planning for hybrid meetings to take the sting off when technology – which we cannot predict – doesn’t always do what it’s supposed to do.

Recently, I facilitated two hybrid meetings that together painted a vivid picture of success and struggle—one that thrived despite technical hurdles, and another that struggled under them.

When we struggled, we made it through and created plans on the spot (within 10 minutes) to shift agenda items to ensure our online participants were engaged with. These experiences highlight how meeting expectations while remaining flexible is vital in our sector’s unique landscape.

We were able to remain flexible because the agendas we’re not created in a vacuum. Meaning, everyone knew the goals of the meeting so when problem solving need to happen it wasn’t put all on one person. Whether that’s you as the facilitator or the person hosting the meeting, the problem solving for tech issues should be a collaborative effort.

The first meeting was a triumph of preparation and adaptability. Although the internet connection at the venue faltered intermittently and one camera failed to focus correctly, the team anticipated these potential glitches. Our co-facilitator, assigned to the virtual participants, ensured all voices were heard, alternating participants between online and onsite with a round-robin technique.

High-quality microphones and multiple strategically positioned cameras gave online attendees a seamless window into the room’s discussions. Crucially, we maintained clear communication channels among facilitators and technology producers, allowing quick troubleshooting. If online, the people in person texted them to confirm audio acuity. In person, the facilitator would

One ground rule that helps with this is asking everyone being on camera and muting when not speaking—created an environment of respect and inclusion. And it allowed for quick problem solving without distraction.

Contrast this with a subsequent meeting where technical preparation was lacking. The room’s internet was patchy, microphones were few and poor in quality, and no co-facilitator was present to aid online participants. This led to long silences, missed cues, and sidelined voices. Online attendees felt disconnected, with chat comments going unnoticed and raised hands ignored, eroding engagement. Onsite participants unconsciously dominated discussions, creating an unbalanced dynamic that undermined collective decision-making. The absence of clear hybrid meeting norms left participants unsure about when and how to contribute. The meeting drifted from its objectives, a stark lesson in the consequences of neglecting hybrid facilitation principles. 

We know how important it is to have meetings that can accommodate diverse needs of participants—many of whom bring unique accessibility or cultural requirements. Flexibility is essential. Consent is always helpful. This can include asking participants ahead of time regarding their accessibility needs to ensure “a phone number online participants can use to access the meeting if they have internet or computer issues.” This level of thoughtful planning can determine whether a meeting is inclusive or exclusionary.

Choosing the right meeting format is foundational. Complex discussions, such as leadership development or contentious decision-making, may warrant face-to-face meetings, while task-based gatherings flourish in hybrid or fully virtual formats. Hybrid meetings excel when they expand participation by blending onsite immediacy with virtual accessibility, but only when skillfully facilitated. 

A few best practices to include are, but not limited to:

• Having co-facilitators and technology producers who oversee both onsite and online dynamics and troubleshoot technical issues in real time.
• Testing rooms and technology at least a day before, including practicing with online participants to confirm audio, visual, and connectivity quality.
• Arranging the physical space to optimize camera angles, ensuring online participants can clearly see and hear their in-room colleagues.
• Implementing ground rules tailored for hybrid settings, such as requiring cameras on, alternating speakers between onsite and online, prohibiting side conversations that exclude virtual attendees, and maintaining eye contact with the camera to engage remote participants. 

In our mission-driven work the pressure and demands in these meetings can be high, so ensuring ease for participants is important for our continued success.

When technology falters or fatigue sets in, it is our preparation, flexibility, and commitment to inclusivity that keep the meeting’s heart beating strong.

 “Example Scenarios” for Hybrid Meeting Success

1. The Tech Buddy System

Assign one in-person attendee and one virtual attendee to act as “tech buddies.” Their role is to monitor sound, visuals, and chat, alerting facilitators if something’s off. This helps problems get solved quickly and ensures no one is left out.

2. The 360° Welcome

Begin every hybrid meeting by greeting both audiences separately:

> “Welcome to everyone in the room—and a warm hello to our online participants. Let’s take a moment to make sure everyone can see and hear clearly before we begin.”

> This simple ritual builds connection and sets the tone for inclusion.

3. The “Shared Screen + Shared Space” Approach

Use one main presentation screen that both in-person and online participants can view simultaneously. Project the virtual chat or collaborative notes (like a Jamboard or shared Google Doc) in the room so everyone can see and contribute in real time.

4. The Round-Robin Reflection
Close your meeting with a brief reflection: invite each online and in-person participant to share one word or phrase describing how they’re leaving the meeting. It maintains balance and ensures every voice is heard.

5. The Post-Meeting Check In

Send a two-question survey:

• How included did you feel during the meeting?
• What can we improve next time? 

We hope these insights support you in improving, refining, and strengthening your future hybrid meeting experiences.

Need more? Visit our Effective Meetings Page. 

Protecting the Social Sector in an Increasingly Hostile Environment

The social sector stands at a critical crossroads. Recent political initiatives, exemplified by Project 2025, threaten to dismantle decades of progress made toward equity, justice, and community empowerment. For nonprofits and social sector organizations dedicated to advancing equity-based work, these are not mere policy shifts—they represent an existential threat to the social fabric and the communities we serve.

Understanding the Threat: What is Project 2025?

Project 2025 is a presidential transition plan outlining a concerted effort to systematically dismantle institutional frameworks, funding mechanisms, and legal protections that have supported social justice initiatives across the public and nonprofit sectors. Its direct targeting of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs signals a harsh new paradigm: federal support for equity work may not just vanish but become actively hostile.

Key proposals include the elimination of major educational equity programs such as Title I funding, an $18 billion initiative supporting low-income students, and the Head Start program, both critical to providing early childhood and K-12 educational opportunities for marginalized communities. The plan also envisions dismantling civil rights enforcement offices, increasing scrutiny and potential legal challenges for nonprofits advancing equity initiatives. We’re already seeing this play out since January this year.

The cumulative effect of these proposals could force organizations to alter or abandon equity work, erasing years of progress toward addressing systemic inequities. As a sector, we must rise to meet this challenge with resilience and strategic innovation. Below are strategies to engage in to protect our ability to serve and lead.

Mobilizing the Social Sector: A Comprehensive Strategic Response

Protecting the social sector demands a comprehensive, multi-dimensional response that transcends traditional organizational boundaries. We are called to boldly reimagine collaboration, resource sharing, and institutional resilience. At the core of this strategy lie several foundational pillars:

1. Organizational Fortification:

To withstand destabilization, nonprofits must fortify their internal structures. This means moving toward financial diversification—establishing autonomous funding channels independent of federal sources, cultivating committed donor networks, developing social enterprises, and creating emergency reserves to ensure programs endure through crises.

Operationally, organizations should adopt decentralized structures resistant to regulatory disruption, invest in secure and redundant data infrastructures, and create flexible staff models capable of rapid adaptation. Comprehensive risk management plans are necessary to anticipate and mitigate multi-faceted threats.

2. Coalition Building and Network Amplification

No organization is an island. The challenges we face require a collective frontline. Moving beyond siloed, mission-specific efforts toward intersectional partnerships enhances our collective strength. By forming cross-sector coalitions, regional support networks, and rapid response advocacy mechanisms, we create fortified networks that can resist attacks on equity work.

Such coalitions allow for resource-sharing, mutual aid, shared technology platforms, and formalized agreements of mutual support—ensuring that when one organization faces attack, many stand in defense. This intersectional approach also respects the diverse identities and experiences within the communities we serve, creating space for trust and innovative problem-solving.

3. Knowledge and Legal Infrastructure 

Protecting sensitive information, from internal strategies to community data, is essential in an era where data can be weaponized. Nonprofits must develop protected information-sharing systems, collaborative research initiatives, and secure archives to safeguard institutional knowledge. Establishing pre-emptive legal defense networks and alternative compliance frameworks will help navigate an increasingly hostile regulatory environment.

We must also engage actively in policy monitoring, develop alternative state and local advocacy frameworks, and institute communication platforms aimed at educating stakeholders about policy impacts to maintain transparency and accountability.

4. Community Engagement and Leadership Development

Our sector’s strength lies in its relationship with the communities it serves. Deepening this connection through community defense networks, alternative service models, and rapid response protocols ensures that those most impacted remain safe and have ownership over solutions. 

Investing in leadership pipelines, mentorship, and succession planning guarantees that emerging leaders representing diverse voices continue to drive change. Protecting these leaders and nurturing sustainable development models is not just prudent—it is essential to generational progress.

Phased Implementation: Building Sustainably for the Future

To operationalize these strategies, actions should unfold in phases:

> Immediate Actions (0-6 months): Lay the groundwork with emergency protocols, basic security measures, and initial coalition coordination.

> Medium-Term (6-18 months): Strengthen infrastructure with sustainable funding models, protection systems, and permanent networks.

> Long-Term (18+ months): Institutionalize resistance through enduring funding, lasting networks, leadership pipeline programs, and generational change strategies.

This phased approach acknowledges the urgency of the threat while emphasizing the necessity of building resilient, adaptable systems capable of weathering political turbulence and policy rollbacks.

A Call to Action

Protecting the social sector is imperative not just for the survival of organizations but for the communities and movements that depend on our work. We stand at a pivotal moment that demands unprecedented collaboration, commitment, and innovation. Effectively responding to Project 2025 and similar threats requires breaking free of traditional molds, embracing collective power, and safeguarding the values of equity and justice.

As stewards of social progress, nonprofits must lead with courage and creativity—fortifying our networks, securing resources, defending legal and policy grounds, and uplifting community-led solutions. In doing so, we continue to manifest a future where justice is protected, voices are amplified, and lives are saved.

Email crystallee@nonprofnetwork.org to learn more about how to protect your organization and your ability to meet your mission. And you can take action here, Defend the Rights of All People Nationwide 

Why Nonprofits Should Explore Candid

Author:  Anne De Irala

May I be candid for a moment? Until a recent live webinar sponsored by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, I wasn’t aware of the full spectrum of insights provided by Candid, formed in 2019 after the merger of GuideStar and Foundation Center.

I’ve long found value in Candid’s Nonprofit Search, which provides a comprehensive database of registered nonprofits in the U.S., built on publicly available IRS data. Nonprofits can also self-report, adding details such as mission statements, program highlights, strategic goals, and demographic information. Funders see this information too—making organizational transparency a valuable fundraising asset.

What I didn’t fully appreciate was the power of the Foundation Directory. This tool supports nonprofits in actively searching for funding by making it easy to research foundations, corporate giving programs, and grant makers. With filters for focus areas (like health, education, or environment), geography (local, regional, national), and type of support (programmatic, operational, etc.), the directory helps nonprofits pinpoint the right funding opportunities.

The Foundation Directory is a subscription-based resource—but there’s good news. Many public libraries provide free access, and for nonprofits with annual revenue or expenses under $1M, Candid’s Go for the Gold program offers a free year of Foundation Directory Professional when you earn a Gold Seal of Transparency or higher.

While TikTok and Instagram influencers might share “sponsored tips,” this isn’t a paid promotion—it’s simply one more tool your organization can use to broaden its scope of funding. With unmatched data depth and strategic insights, Candid is worth exploring.

As our Community Engagement and Access Facilitator, Anne is our dedicated "professional connector". If you're looking for resources or information please send an email, Anne@nonprofnetwork.org

From Reagan to Trump: How Federal Tax Policy Shapes Philanthropy and Community Power

In the early 1980s, President Ronald Reagan ushered in a new era of federal policy marked by deep tax cuts, sweeping deregulation, and a rhetorical commitment to shrinking the role of the federal government. His administration’s economic philosophy, often called “trickle-down economics,” rested on the belief that the private sector—including charitable organizations—could address social problems more effectively than centralized government programs.

Critics rightly pointed out that many of Reagan’s policies disproportionately harmed low-income and marginalized communities. Yet one enduring impact that often goes overlooked is how his administration’s tax reforms incentivized private philanthropy. By lowering income tax rates while retaining or even enhancing the charitable deduction, Reagan encouraged individuals and corporations to give more of their wealth away in service of the public good. The premise was clear: if government would no longer meet community needs at scale, then private giving would need to fill that gap—and tax policy was designed to support that shift.

Philanthropy responded. In the decades that followed, we saw the growth of large foundations, donor-advised funds, and corporate social responsibility programs. While this didn’t always lead to equitable, community-led giving, the infrastructure of modern philanthropy was undeniably shaped by Reagan-era tax policy.

Fast Forward: The Trump Bill and Its Reverse Strategy

Now, decades later, we are facing the consequences of a starkly different approach. Under Donald Trump’s leadership, Congress has passed legislation that imposes new taxes on foundations and charitable giving mechanisms, restricts the tax-exempt status of certain nonprofit entities, and limits corporate giving deductions.

This isn’t just a proposal anymore—the bill has become law. And its impact is real and immediate: nonprofits and philanthropic institutions are being asked to do more with fewer financial tools than ever before.

Rather than empowering local organizations and grassroots leaders to step in where government recedes, this legislation effectively cuts off the lifelines that have historically helped communities survive federal neglect.

If Reagan’s tax policies outsourced social problem-solving to philanthropy, Trump’s legislation disempowers both government and philanthropy—leaving a dangerous vacuum where support for marginalized communities should be.

The Consequences for Equity

These changes matter profoundly. When both federal support and philanthropic resources are undermined, BIPOC-led organizations, rural nonprofits, and smaller grassroots groups suffer the most. They already operate at the intersection of systemic exclusion and historic underinvestment. Additional constraints on philanthropic capital—especially alongside ongoing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion—will only widen the divides we claim to want to close.

Philanthropy is not a perfect substitute for public investment—but when structured thoughtfully, it can be catalytic. It can help communities build power, determine their futures, and create systems of care that are inclusive, responsive, and sustainable.

What We Must Demand

We now face a pivotal moment. The question is whether tax and policy structures will equip communities to lead their own solutions—or whether they will strip away every tool available, leaving people to fend for themselves in the face of rising inequality and authoritarian drift.

If we want philanthropy to live up to its promise, we must:

• Oppose tax structures that disincentivize giving,

• Advocate for greater equity and accountability in both public and private funding, and

• Build a policy agenda that sees community-based solutions not as charity, but as justice.

We cannot afford a model that shrinks government and sabotages civil society at the same time. That isn’t small government—it’s abandonment.

And our communities deserve far better.

Be sure to check the article by National Council of Nonprofits -  Congress Passes Major Tax Package; Nonprofits Directly Impacted

Want more conversation? Check out our upcoming no-cost sessions around these topics and leadership here. Or, Contact Us Today and we'll set-up a time to listen and help you streamline a plan.  

DEI, Federal Funding, and the Confusion in Between

As the Membership and Outreach Coordinator at Nonprofit Network, I’m fortunate to attend networking events, resource fairs, association meetings, and legislative panels—and share space with so many incredible community leaders. These opportunities allow me to better understand not simply the organizations we serve, but the real-world challenges nonprofits are facing every day.

Right now, while things feel ever shifting at the federal level and uncertain across the state, nonprofits are doing what they’ve always done: showing up and serving. They’re raising their voices, adjusting priorities, and finding creative ways—like they did during COVID—to keep moving forward and continue advancing their missions.
If you'd like to connect with me about developing strategies for your organization you can email me at Anne@nonprofnetwork.org

Recently, I had the chance to attend a Legislative Breakfast Panel hosted by the Michigan Nonprofit Association. In this space, nonprofit leaders and state and federal representatives came together to talk about new federal changes that could have serious impacts on the sector. One hot topic: the growing confusion around DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in federal grant applications.

Here’s the tricky part: as of now, there’s no clear definition from the federal government on what counts as a “DEI activity.” Recent executive orders have removed DEI from federal funding criteria altogether—and in some cases, even prohibit it—without offering any real clarity.

In several rooms, I’ve heard the same question: “How am I supposed to certify that my organization doesn’t promote DEI if no one can explain what that actually means?” And yet, that certification is now required if you want to receive or continue federal funding.

Unfortunately, the answers aren’t much clearer than the question. The best advice being given right now? Reach out to the funding agency directly, follow their guidance, and use broad language in your applications that avoids anything that could be interpreted as promoting DEI—even though that’s still undefined.

While much remains unclear right now, one thing is certain: Nonprofit Network will continue to show up for our members and the sector. We’re here to offer conversation, resources, and up-to-date information to help organizations navigate these shifting landscapes with confidence.

To help you navigate these complexities, be sure to register for our no-cost virtual discussions, Executive Reality Sessions (July 9th) hosted by Nonprofit Network. This facilitated series offers a confidential, judgment-free space where Executive Directors can step out of isolation and into real conversations with peers who understand the weight of the role. Whether you’re managing mission drift, leading through decision making fatigue, or racial equity stress, these sessions offer both clarity and community.

To register for these free sessions, visit our website here- Executive Reality Sessions- A candid space for nonprofit leaders navigating complexity. And also consider joining us for Executive Orders and the Things We Can Be Doing Right Now on July 22nd with Renell Weathers.

Why Strategic Support Matters

Starting and growing a business is no small feat. As a business owner, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to wear multiple hats—building systems, managing teams, developing policies, and trying to scale without burning out. In those early days, what made the biggest difference wasn’t just hard work—it was the community support and programming I had access to.

Tapping into local programs, networking groups, and small business resources helped catapult our business in a successful direction. And today, as a nonprofit capacity building consultant, I draw directly from that experience to help nonprofit organizations strengthen their infrastructure and scale with intention.

Community Support Was the Catalyst

When I started my business, I made a conscious decision to plug into community programming and development opportunities. I participated in workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events that exposed me to practical tools and powerful relationships.

One thing became clear: surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals creates the best environment for learning and professional development. I gained insights not just from the content being delivered, but from the conversations, collaborations, and shared experiences with others who were on similar paths.

That foundation built my confidence—and my business.

Why I Now Help Nonprofits Do the Same

Today, I work with nonprofit organizations as a capacity building consultant, helping them build the same type of structure and strategy that supported my business journey. I understand the pressure nonprofit leaders face, often operating with limited resources and big expectations. But just like small businesses, nonprofits thrive when they have:

• Clear operational systems

• Strong governance and leadership structures

• Strategic plans for sustainability and growth

• Sound policy frameworks and bylaws

• A supportive network of peers and professionals

If you're looking to take your nonprofit to the next level, I invite you to connect with Nonprofit Network.

• Email: Ella@nonprofnetwork.org or info@nonprofnetwork.org

• Phone: (517) 796-4750

• Address: 209 E. Washington Ave., Suite 430-23, Jackson, MI 49201

• Website: Our Consultant Services

These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the building blocks of long-term impact. And they’re often difficult to develop without guidance.

What I Bring to the Table

Because I’ve been in the trenches myself as a business owner, I don’t just bring theory—I bring experience. I know what it means to build from the ground up, to navigate uncertainty, and to make the most of every opportunity. My consulting approach is hands-on, customized, and rooted in real-world application.

Whether it’s helping with board development, reviewing bylaws, designing policies, or facilitating leadership workshops, I aim to offer a collaborative experience that meets organizations where they are—and helps them get where they want to go.

The Importance of Ongoing Growth and Support

No matter how established your organization is, there’s always room to grow. And in the nonprofit world, growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Networking, shared learning, and outside perspectives are essential. You are not alone in the challenges you’re facing, and there’s real power in working together.

That’s why I encourage nonprofit leaders to look at capacity building not as a luxury, but as a necessity. It’s about creating systems that support your mission, developing leadership that lasts, and making sure your organization is positioned for the future.

Final Thoughts

As someone who has benefitted from community-based support and now provides that support to others, I truly believe in the value of capacity building. It’s how organizations move from surviving to thriving.

If you're ready to strengthen your foundation, align your team, and take your nonprofit to the next level, let’s talk. The right guidance—grounded in experience—can make all the difference.

Ready to Elevate Your Nonprofit Organization?

Drawing from my experience as a small business owner who leveraged community programming and networking opportunities, I now specialize in helping nonprofits build capacity, strengthen leadership, and scale sustainably.

Contact Information:

We typically respond to inquiries within three business days or less. If you'd like to request a proposal for services, please complete our brief form here: Speak with a Consultant.

Let's work together to strengthen your organization's foundation and amplify your impact!