It has been said that the new state budget will have a tremendous impact on the work of nonprofit organizations. While it is unclear at this time what the implications are, Governor Rick Snyder did address 500 nonprofit executives at the Michigan Nonprofit SuperConference in May.
"We are all Michiganders, and we're in a crisis," explained the Governor. That's why he is partnering with charities across the state to assist with education, health and wellness, and workforce or talent development. It's one of the ways he is working to achieve the results he promised during his 2010 election campaign.
Local organizations seem to be in agreement with his strategy on this particular matter.
"While foundations cannot replace state funding, we have had a long history of partnering effectively with all levels of government and will continue to do so in many areas such as early childhood services and child abuse prevention funding, college access and readiness, meeting essential needs, public education, and much more," says Diana Sieger, president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. "Working together is the most effective way to leverage limited resources for greater impact."
While many charities are struggling to meet financial goals and have exceedingly greater demand on their services, it appears collaboration is one of the greatest ways to move Michigan forward. Fortunately, Grand Rapids is no stranger to collaboration. Nonprofit organizations here have been working together in the last couple of years instead of perceiving each other as competitors. Now let's hope the partnership with Michigan government will have similar results to improve the local and state economy.
To be a do-gooder:
• Visit Governor Snyder's
website to share your opinion
• Learn more about the
Michigan Nonprofit Association and their SuperConference
• Donate to the
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Source: Allison Treppa, Michigan Nonprofit Association; Diana Sieger, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
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