Note from the Executive Director

Sammy Moon
Sammy Moon
Sammy Moon Executive Director MS Alliance

Greetings Friends, 

It hardly seems possible that we are in the final quarter of 2021. Where did the time go?  My grandmother always said that the older you get, the faster time seems to go.  She was certainly right about that, but even with the quick passing of time, we need to stop and celebrate the last couple of good, productive years. 

The MS Alliance was created to serve, build capacity, and foster collaboration among and between Mississippi’s nonprofit and philanthropic communities. That is our mission, and it is still quite unique in the field.  Even though we have been working toward that end for the past two-plus years, we are still the exception rather than the rule when it comes to redefining the working relationship between philanthropy and nonprofits.  For The Alliance, it only reinforces our commitment to make it happen.  We are proud of our accomplishments, and you can see those in the newly released 2020 Annual Report, which is linked in this edition of the Ally.

Take a look and let us know how we did – and more importantly, how we can do better in the future. I believe this “little engine that could” has built something to be proud of. From the partnerships and collaborations that have flourished to the robust standards, principles, training, and tools that undergird and expand the sector, our signature programs are making a difference in the state of Mississippi.

As your organizations grow, so does The Alliance. The staff has doubled, the programs have multiplied, Affinity Groups are going strong, and in November, we’ll be launching the most high-impact initiative of all, The Innovations Lab. You will hear much more about the “Lab” in the November edition of the Ally. Stay tuned.

While we celebrate the work, we also realize there is much to do. We reaffirm our commitment to provide you with the best support and training possible to help you thrive and sustain your work.  It is your work that is frontline – we never forget that were it not for you, we would not exist.

All the best and happy upcoming holiday season,

Sammy

To see the entire November Newsletter click here

Related Articles

Equity in Response, Recovery and Resilence: An Action Report in Five Parts

November 20, 2024

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. 

Revisiting Big Questions for Philanthropy: When to Bridge and When to Fight

October 18, 2024

Two big, related questions have hung over many in philanthropy these past several years: first, how best to protect democracy, and second, how to work to bridge differences in a polarized time.

Sabbaticals and the Case for More Rest for Leaders of Color

October 1, 2024

Social change isn’t possible when nonprofit leaders are exhausted. Extended paid leave helped me — and can help others.