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.
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.
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.
WHY PROPOSED EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY OVER NONPROFIT TAX STATUS IS A THREAT TO CIVIL SOCIETY
Building Stronger Nonprofits: A Conversation with Anne & Ella
In this special blog interview, we bring together two of our incredible team members: Anne, our Membership and Outreach Coordinator, and Ella, our Capacity Building Consultant. Anne plays a key role in connecting nonprofits with valuable resources, fostering relationships, and ensuring our members feel supported every step of the way. Meanwhile, Ella works closely with organizations to strengthen their capacity, offering expert guidance on governance, leadership development, and sustainability. Let's dive in!
Anne: Capacity Building Consultant" is a big title! How do you explain to people what you 'do'?
Ella: Great question! In simple terms, I help nonprofits become stronger, more effective, and better equipped to fulfill their missions. More specifically, I work with organizations to build the skills, structures, and strategies they need to grow and sustain their impact. That might mean training staff and leaders, improving fundraising strategies, strengthening operations, or helping a team align around a shared vision. Every nonprofit has unique challenges, and my role is to provide the guidance, tools, and support that empower them to thrive in the long run. Think of me as a partner in making good work even better!
Anne: What kinds of organizations have you had the opportunity to support during your time at Nonprofit Network?
Zoe Lyons
Capacity Builder
March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women throughout history. For me, this month is not just about looking back—it’s about celebrating the strong women who have shaped my life and the future we continue to build together.
I was raised by an incredibly strong mother; a woman whose determination and grace inspire me every day. She taught me resilience, the power of standing up for myself, and the importance of lifting others along the way. Because of her, I grew up believing that strength and kindness could and should, go hand in hand.
My mother made sure I knew that throughout history, women have had to fight for their rights—for the right to vote, to work, to receive an education, and to have a voice in society. Progress was not given; it was demanded by generations of women who refused to accept inequality. From the suffragists who fought tirelessly for the 19th Amendment to the activists who continue to push for gender equity today, every step forward has been earned through persistence and courage.
Essential Practices for Safeguarding Your Organization’s Finances
Ensuring financial stability and preventing fraud are critical for the long-term success of any organization. By institutionalizing strong financial practices, organizations can move from reactive decision-making to proactive, strategic planning. Here are 10 essential practices to safeguard your organization’s finances.
1. Establish a Strong Control Environment
Your organization must set clear financial policies that everyone follows—no exceptions. Leadership must be held to the highest standards, ensuring accountability in financial decisions, timesheets, travel expenses, and credit card use.
2. Use the Right Accounting Tools
Excel is not accounting software! Investing in proper tools like QuickBooks or Peachtree, and hiring staff with financial expertise, ensures accurate bookkeeping and financial tracking.
3. Form a Finance Committee
Without a dedicated finance committee, organizations may lack financial oversight. The committee should review budgets, cash flow, financial policies, and internal controls regularly.
4. Budgeting as a Strategic Plan
A well-planned budget answers key questions: What will we do? When? How will we fund it? Budgets help track progress, measure planning accuracy, and ensure financial sustainability.
5. Develop Strong Internal Controls
Implement a system of checks and balances so no single person controls financial transactions. Key internal controls include:
6. Ensure Proper Record Retention
Financial policies should include guidelines for document retention, spending authority, and internal accounting methods. Properly maintained records improve transparency and compliance.
7. Regularly Assess Financial Health
Organizations should monitor key financial indicators such as:
Distractions are everywhere…whether you're in an office setting or working from home. In the office, you might contend with the sounds of phones ringing, speakerphone conversations, and copy machines humming. At home, distractions come in different forms – kids playing, pets seeking attention, amazon deliveries, or the laundry pile beckoning - and staying focused in either environment can be challenging.
So, what can you do to remain on task and avoid distractions? Here are some ideas to help start off the new year.
Six Tips to Stay Focused at Work (Office or Home):
By implementing just some of these tips, you'll be better equipped to handle distractions and maintain focus, no matter where you work. Success comes from creating a comfortable environment and routine that fosters productivity.
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Zoe Lyons
Capacity Builder
I am proud to be the newest member of the incredible team at Nonprofit Network. After 34 years dedicated to public service with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), I am inspired to continue my journey. Graduating from Michigan State University (Go Green!) marked the beginning of my commitment to serving others. My first role involved working with families and individuals on assistance programs like Medicaid, Food Assistance, and Cash Assistance, igniting my passion for ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect—a value instilled in me by my parents.
The Future of Professionalism: Equity and Self-Determination in the Nonprofit Workplace
Sharon Castle
Capacity Builder
"Communication is one of the most important skills you require for a successful life.”
— Catherine Pulsifer
Katena Cain, PhD.
Nonprofit Management Consultant
Are you feeling SAD?
My work, in the Nonprofit sector, began over 35 years ago and started at a young age with my dad taking my sister and I along with him as he would volunteer in local elder care facilities, food pantries and doing odd jobs for free for people who were under resourced and unseen in our community. The spark that I saw in his eyes and those being served were priceless and I wanted to always be in spaces where I could assist – nonprofit spaces, mission-driven spaces, and community-organized spaces.
Jessica Chipman
Office Manager
Many people can relate to sitting in an unproductive meeting. However, meetings do not have to be a waste of time. If accurate minutes are kept and clear-cut action steps are identified, then hours spent in a meeting can lead to a productive outcome.
