As we embrace the warmth, or rather the heat, of August we find ourselves wrapping up another summer season, with students and staff returning to the classrooms and summer breaks and vacations coming to an end, inhale and take in the last of the sun-soaked days of summer. In this edition of our newsletter, just as we hail the vibrant spirit of August, we also highlight the many ways nonprofit organizations shape our lives, ignite hope, and inspire service.

This month, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day; a day where we recognize the many contributions that nonprofits and philanthropic organizations make to society. Nonprofits play a critical role in our state. At some point, nearly every citizen, if not all, utilizes the services of at least one of Mississippi’s 15,000 nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits not only contribute to our quality of life but for many, they may even be the sole employer in the community. As a result, nonprofits serve as economic engines. Mississippi nonprofits generate more than $12 billion in revenue and hold assets of nearly $27 billion and employ over 87,000 people in our state.

Nonprofits deliver vital services to our communities, including food banks, housing, childcare, and disaster response. Nonprofits are where we go to solve community problems, develop our leaders, and promote civic engagement.

Join us as we lift up our sector and take a moment to recognize our collective power, the significance of our impact, and the boundless potential that lies ahead. Thank you all for the work you do, as we come together to celebrate the spirit of service that defines our shared purpose.

With gratitude,

Ellen