Nonprofit Journal Project

Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan will share stories of nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors coming together to think bigger, solve problems, and execute transformative projects.

This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, and Co.act Detroit.

Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance looks to the future while uplifting residents today

By Kenyetta Campbell

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General

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December 6, 2021

"This pandemic is both a blessing and a curse. I say this because it shines a light on how greatly some people in urban communities struggle," says Kenyetta Campbell, founder and executive director of Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance. "I think it's caused people who haven’t gone through the same COVID-19 challenges to be more sensitive toward those who lack resources, who’ve lost jobs, who are struggling to educate their kids or don’t know where they're getting their next meal. I'm hoping that, as a society, we can continue to address the many challenges people in this world face."

Friends of the St. Clair River works to protect natural resources and inspire environmental pride

By Sheri Faust

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Environment & Sustainability

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December 3, 2021

"A sturgeon can live up to 100 years and that's our mentality, always looking ahead at the bigger picture, but realizing that it's the small steps that get you there," says board president Shari Faust. "Through the efforts of our volunteers, scientists, and staff, Friends of the St. Clair River will continue to protect, restore, and educate about our natural resources."

Graduates of Detroit-based community incubator experience transformational support

By Sarah Williams

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General

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December 1, 2021

"This cohort created a space for us to be vulnerable, transparent and to know that if we're the best human beings we can be ourselves, then we'll be the best leaders for our organizations," says Sherelle Hogan, founder and CEO of Pure Heart Foundation.

NEW helps nonprofits seeking racial justice and equity to challenge their missions and visions

By Judy Nimer Muhn

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Diversity & Equity

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November 18, 2021

"We're seeing organizations dig into the true meanings behind their mission, vision and value statements," says Judy Nimer Muhn, organizational development consultant at Nonprofit Enterprise at Work. "They’re asking how they can uplift those in ways that are deeper, more thoughtful and more evidence-based."

Combatting COVID-19 misinformation to prioritize safety inside a nonprofit

By Carina Jackson

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Health

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November 11, 2021

"It is up to us as leaders to continue fighting COVID-19 misinformation." says Carina Jackson, chief operating officer at Detroit's Mariners Inn, "by communicating with those we work with about the virus and vaccines, by setting good examples ourselves and by helping to guide people to get their information from reputable sources."

Advancing Macomb works to be a community hub of resources for local nonprofits

By Diane Banks

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Community Development

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November 8, 2021

"Before Advancing Macomb existed, there wasn't an institution in our county outside of government that looked at ways to build a culture of giving through philanthropy to focus on community development needs," says executive director Diane Banks.

Auntie Na’s Village helps neighbors in need, bringing ‘unity to its community’

By Sonia Brown

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General

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November 4, 2021

"The pandemic has brought out our humanity and our need for each other. I can get weary," says Detroiter Sonia Brown, aka 'Auntie Na,' "but being able to help even one person is what gets me out of bed each morning."

LGBTQ+ center stretches to increase care in communties near and far

By Sarah Williams

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Health

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October 25, 2021

For over 30 years, Affirmations has been the hub of Southeast Michigan’s LGBTQ+ communities and their allies. In the heart of Ferndale, in a 17,000-square-foot building owned by the community (its mortgage is paid), people of all sexual orientations, identities, expressions and cultures find socialization, support and programming to enrich their lives.

ICPJ works in collaboration to bring community voices to decision-making tables

By Desirae Simmons

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Community Development

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October 16, 2021

"As organizations, we cannot do all of the things, even if we feel compelled to," says Desirae Simmons, co-director of the Interfaith Council on Peace and Justice. "And we don't want these areas of work to be moving without one another because that diminishes power and impact, and can make it feel like we have different goals, which is not true. So how do we stack solutions to the issues we’re trying to solve so that we can have a wider coalition and move multiple things at one time?"

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program works to stay connected with vulnerable families

By Lisa Grodsky

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General

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October 11, 2021

Many of our grandparents express how this program's given them a much needed sense of community, says Lisa Grodsky, program operations manager at Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, and helped them to feel supported and happy knowing they aren't alone.