A message from your executive director…
MS Alliance
I’ve always loved the month of September. Not only because it’s the month I was born, but also because of the profound changes it brings. From hot, humid days to cooler mornings and nights; the leaves start to lose their lushness, and the afternoon sun dims. Sometimes, change can be hard. Yet sometimes, change can bring feelings of optimism, hope, excitement and heighten our anticipation for what’s to come.
Over the past several months our state experienced a multitude of crises and challenges. Tornadoes have devastated communities, hospitals closed or are cutting back on services, with many still at risk of closure – however, we’ve also achieved some significant wins. The legislature extended postpartum Medicaid coverage, providing mothers with a year of needed healthcare which will improve health outcomes for both them and their babies; and we’ve witnessed Mississippians unite and rally together to help support and aid our communities in need.
Next month, the Alliance will host its Nonprofit & Philanthropy Leadership Conference 2023 on Thursday, October 12 at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson. Our theme is Sparking Hope In the Sector. How did we decide on this theme? Because we believe ‘hope‘ is the spark that ignites amazing possibilities, fosters growth, innovation, and new opportunities. We are the only statewide organization bringing together our nonprofit and philanthropic sectors to build on our strengths, enabling us to achieve greater impact. We are excited about this opportunity to share our vision for what our local communities and state can become with leaders from both sides of the coin, coming together to build bridges and cultivate meaningful connections that bring us closer to our common goal – producing better futures for Mississippi children, families, and its communities. If you have not yet registered, I personally encourage you to start making plans today to join us!
We can’t build a better future without you!
Ellen
Related Articles
Woodward Hines Education Foundation Supports First-Gen College Success in Mississippi with $1.5 Million Grant to FirstGen Forward
The Woodward Hines Education Foundation is focused on college completion in Mississippi, and its funds will allow FirstGen Forward to expand its impact in the state.
State’s Nonprofit Sector: An Economic Engine
This commentary piece from the Alliance Executive Director originally appeared in the December issue of the Mississippi Business Journal.
The recent challenges facing nonprofits have dominated public discourse, overshadowing a fundamental truth: Mississippi’s nonprofit sector remains one of our state’s most vital economic drivers and community lifelines. As executive director of the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, I see firsthand the transformative work of thousands of organizations operating with integrity, transparency, and remarkable efficiency across our state.
Equity in Response, Recovery and Resilence: An Action Report in Five Parts
The Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy (the Alliance) was created to enhance coordination, collaboration, and communication among nonprofits, maximizing existing funding and expanding resources. The Alliance also focuses on embedding equity into nonprofit work, aiming to ensure equitable outcomes. During the 2022 Jackson water crisis, nonprofits worked to meet urgent needs. Recently, with funding from the US Water Alliance, the Alliance and its partners have been studying equity in disaster response, recovery, and resilience efforts.