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DEI, Federal Funding, and the Confusion in Between

 

Anne de Irala

Membership and Outreach Coordinator






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.








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Ready to Elevate Your Nonprofit Organization?

 

Ella Hephzibah
Capacity Builder

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What June Means for Nonprofits

 

Tracey Wilson
Program Manager

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WHY PROPOSED EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY OVER NONPROFIT TAX STATUS IS A THREAT TO CIVIL SOCIETY

 

WHY PROPOSED EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY OVER NONPROFIT TAX STATUS IS A THREAT TO CIVIL SOCIETY

 

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Interviewing a Consultant



                                               








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?










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Honoring Strong Women: A Personal Reflection on Women’s History Month




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. 




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Financial Warnings for Nonprofit Organizations




Regina Pinney

Executive Director



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:

  • Monthly bank reconciliations
  • Clear policies for credit card use
  • Board oversight on financial operations

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:
























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Power and Possibility- AI in Nonprofit Organizations


Anne de Irala, CNP
Membership and Outreach Coordinator



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Financial Sustainability: Protecting Our Ability to Serve

 


Crystallee Crain, PhD.
Director of Non-profit Impact Consulting

 

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Tips to Stay Focused While Working




Jessica Chipman

Office Manager

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):

  1. Clean your workspace. Whether you're at a desk in the office or at your dining room table, clutter can make it harder to concentrate. Take a few minutes to tidy up and organize. A clean space will help you focus on the task at hand.
  2. Plan ahead. At the end of each workday, map out your priorities for the next day. This applies equally to office and remote settings. When you start your day with a clear plan, you'll waste less time figuring out what to tackle first.
  3. Keep your to-do list visible. Whether it's a sticky note on your monitor or a digital list on your computer, having your to-do list in sight keeps your goals top of mind. Crossing off completed tasks can also give you a sense of accomplishment.
  4. Limit distractions. In the office, this might mean putting your cell phone away or using noise-canceling headphones. At home, consider setting boundaries with family members or creating a designated workspace to minimize interruptions. Let others know your work hours and the importance of quiet during those times.
  5. Take regular breaks. Breaks are essential to avoid burnout, whether you're taking a quick walk outside the office or stepping away from your home office for a moment. Giving our eyes a break, refreshing your mind and body will help you return to work with renewed focus.
  6. Reward yourself. Achieving goals – big or small – deserves recognition. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee, a favorite snack, play some music or take a few minutes to scroll social media. Rewards can motivate you to dive into your next task or project.

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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Welcome to the team Zoe!

 


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.


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Exciting Changes to Our Employee Handbook

 

Jessica Chipman
Office Manager

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The Future of Professionalism: Equity and Self-Determination in the Nonprofit Workplace

 

The Future of Professionalism: Equity and Self-Determination in the Nonprofit Workplace

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September in the Nonprofit Sector

 

Tracey Wilson
Program Coordinator

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The Vital Role of Downtime

 

Tracey Wilson
Program Coordinator

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Meeting the Challenge: Demonstrating Social Impact in a Pressured Nonprofit Landscape

  

 

Crystallee Crain, PhD.
Capacity Builder

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Struggle Finding the “Right” Words?

 

Sharon Castle
Capacity Builder

          "Communication is one of the most important skills you require for a successful life.”
                                                                                                       
— Catherine Pulsifer

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Are you feeling SAD?


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.





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Get the Most out of Your Meeting Minutes

 

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. 

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3 Reasons Your Board Should Brush Up on Governance

   

 Sharon Castle
Capacity Builder

 “The fitting Board of Directors is less about physical strength, more about mental toughness, with fitting minds and fresh eyes.” ― Pearl ZhuDigitizing Boardroom: The Multifaceted Aspects of Digital Ready Boards

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