Forging a New Path Toward Stronger Nonprofits and Foundations—and a Stronger Mississippi
To the organizations, leaders, and communities we have had the honor of serving for the past seven years:
I want to talk to you honestly about where the Alliance is and where we are going.
Seven years ago, this organization launched with a bold idea: that nonprofits and philanthropic organizations in Mississippi would be stronger, more effective, and more impactful if they worked together. Achieving that goal required dedicated infrastructure to support collaboration, capacity-building, and convening among organizations working to improve the quality of life for Mississippians in various ways.
We believed then, and we believe now, that Mississippi deserves a sector that is connected, capable, and ready to meet Mississippi’s most persistent challenges. However, we have learned that our current structure needs to evolve to better support this work over the long term.
So, this week, we launched a formal restructuring process. We have made difficult staffing decisions and are working closely with our board, strategic advisors, and trusted partners to determine the best path forward.
While we do this important work, we remain committed to providing the core services that nonprofits and foundations need to do their best work.
We will be reaching out for input in the weeks ahead because the only model worth building is one that meets your actual needs. I believe deeply in what this organization represents: the idea that Mississippi’s nonprofit and philanthropic sectors are stronger together. Whatever form the Alliance takes going forward, it will be in service to that overarching premise.
I have spent the better part of my career working alongside the remarkable people who lead and support mission-driven organizations across this state. You inspire me. The work you do inspires me every day and is at the front of my mind as we enter this period of transition.
We will navigate this transition with the same spirit that got us here: honesty, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.
Yours in service,
Ellen Collins
Executive Director
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