Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy

09/11/2026

On September 11, we remember the lives lost, the first responders who answered the call, and the spirit of service that brought people together in the aftermath of that tragic day 25 years ago.

In a new story from Volunteer Mississippi, Chief of Staff Adrian Austin reflects on his experience serving in the Navy Reserve on 9/11 and how that day shaped his understanding of service. Today, his work continues that commitment by connecting Mississippians with volunteer opportunities and supporting the people and organizations serving communities across our state.

As we reflect, we can also ask ourselves what it means to show up for our neighbors.

Read the full story on the Alliance blog: https://alliancems.org/never-forget-volunteers-are-the-everyday-heroes-and-heroes-every-day/

09/10/2026

From Hand-Drawn Vision to Working App: How AI Is Helping Mississippi Nonprofits Innovate

Every innovation begins with a vision, and Teen Health MS had a big one.

This growing Mississippi nonprofit set out to help young parents ages 18–24 access health information, support services, and community resources online. The vision was clear. The path to get there wasn’t. The team had limited tech experience and a budget that ruled out hiring a developer.

That’s where the Nonprofit AI Innovation Hub, powered by Microsoft, stepped in.

Listening first.
Through a series of collaborative meetings, the Hub worked to understand the families Teen Health MS serves, the challenges they face, and the organization's long-term goals before ever discussing technology. One question kept coming up: Can AI help us do this?

The Nonprofit AI Innovation Hub used its insight and experience to help turn that vision into a plan.

Turning vision into a plan.
Using AI as a tool to support human decision-making, the Hub helped Teen Health MS translate hand-drawn sketches into a visual workflow, then break the app concept into 10 manageable modules, each covering a key feature. That structure made a complex idea feel achievable, even on a modest budget.

Building without a big budget.
Rather than pursuing a costly custom build, the team explored AI-powered, low-code app platforms. Guided by the Nonprofit AI Innovation Hub, Teen Health MS began developing prototypes using two different AI-enabled tools, moving from idea to prototype without a software developer or a large financial investment, which is a challenge many nonprofits and foundations face.

Why it matters.
The Nonprofit AI Innovation Hub launched last March through a partnership with Microsoft to help Mississippi nonprofits build digital skills and use AI responsibly. As Microsoft’s JJ Townsend put it at the launch, the goal is to help nonprofits “effectively navigate and thrive in today’s technology-driven world.”

Teen Health MS proved that nonprofit innovation can be fueled by a clear vision, community knowledge, and the willingness to try something new. With the right guidance, AI can help nonprofits:
✔️ Expand access to services
✔️Improve community engagement
✔️Streamline operations
✔️Strengthen organizational capacity
✔️Turn ideas into practical solutions

So, now the question isn't whether AI can help nonprofits innovate — it's how the Nonprofit AI Innovation Hub can help yours.

Interested in what's possible for your organization? Connect with the MS Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy and the Nonprofit AI Innovation Hub to get started.

09/03/2026

Strong nonprofit organizations start with strong leaders — and leadership is something that can be developed.

Excellence in Action is designed to help nonprofit professionals build the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to lead with confidence and create meaningful change within their organizations.

Our next two-day boot camp begins Thursday, October 22.

Through an innovative and practical curriculum, participants can:
✔️ Build a strong foundation in nonprofit management
✔️ Gain tools and knowledge they can apply immediately
✔️ Connect with a cohort of nonprofit peers and experienced instructors
✔️ Explore emerging trends and best practices in the sector
✔️ Strengthen their ability to lead strategic change within their organizations

Invest in your leadership and strengthen the work of your organization.

Learn more and register: https://alliancems.org/upcoming-registration/?caleventid=40265

08/29/2026

Black Philanthropy Month is an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing tradition of generosity, leadership, and investment within Black communities while also examining where philanthropy can do more.

A new report from Candid and ABFE found that, on average, only half of Black-led nonprofits received foundation funding between 2016 and 2023, compared to 70% of white-led nonprofits.

The findings also point to the importance of sustained, flexible funding and stronger relationships between philanthropy and Black-led organizations, particularly smaller organizations that are often left out of traditional funding pipelines.

As we recognize Black Philanthropy Month, let’s continue the conversation about how philanthropy can build stronger, more sustainable partnerships with the organizations and communities it serves. The Alliance is committed to bringing nonprofit and philanthropic leaders together to learn, connect, and strengthen Mississippi’s nonprofit sector.

08/13/2026

🤖 Unlocking Potential with Microsoft Copilot
Spend less time on administrative tasks and more time advancing your mission.

Join Tiffiney Carter-Washington, AI Lab Manager and Technical Advisor with MS Alliance, for a virtual training on how Microsoft Copilot can help nonprofits automate everyday tasks, improve productivity, and simplify workflows across Microsoft 365.

📅 Monday, August 24, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM CST
💻 Virtual Event
💲 Members: $30 | Nonmembers: $45

Discover practical ways AI can help your organization work smarter and increase impact.

📲 Register today! https://bit.ly/3TVWUlp

08/03/2026

Today's the last day to register for the upcoming 2026 NPFE Cohort!

Whether you're writing your first grant, leading a development team, serving on a nonprofit board, or preparing to earn your Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, the Nonprofit Professional: Fundraising Executives (NPFE) program is built for you.

Over 8 interactive sessions, you'll gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to strengthen your organization's fundraising efforts.

✨ What You'll Gain:
✔ Fundraising essentials rooted in ethical best practices
✔ CFRE exam preparation
✔ Expert instruction from experienced fundraising professionals
✔ A comprehensive study guide
✔ Networking with nonprofit leaders from across Mississippi
✔ 28 CFRE Education Points (CEUs)

Who Should Apply?
• Executive Directors
• Development & Fundraising Professionals
• Board Members
• Anyone responsible for raising funds for a nonprofit or interested in deepening their knowledge base in fundraising.

Cost: $1,000 per participant (scholarships and payment options available upon request).

📅 Application Deadline: August 3, 2026, at midnight

⏳ Space is limited, and this cohort fills quickly. Don't miss your opportunity to invest in your professional growth and your organization's future.

Apply today! https://alliancems.org/npfe-2026/

Questions? Contact DeLorean King at [email protected] or 601-968-0061 ext. 123.

07/20/2026

⏰ Don't Miss Out!
Applications for the MemoryFox Storytelling Capacity Building

Program close July 24.

The Fidelity Charitable® Catalyst Fund will support 25 nonprofits with a fully funded 12-month program designed to strengthen storytelling, donor engagement, and fundraising.

📅 Apply by July 24
📍 Available to eligible nonprofits in priority states

https://www.memoryfox.io/storytelling-capacity-building-program-application/

07/13/2026

⏰ Just 1 Day Away!

Join us tomorrow for Unlocking Potential with Microsoft Copilot and discover how AI can help your nonprofit automate tasks, streamline workflows, and spend more time focused on mission-driven work.

📅 July 14, 2026
🕐 1:00–2:15 PM CDT
💻 Virtual Training

Members: $30 | Nonmembers: $45

Don't miss this opportunity to learn practical ways to boost productivity with Microsoft Copilot.

Register Today!
https://alliancems.org/upcoming-registration/?caleventid=40294

07/10/2026

Applications Are NOW OPEN for the 2026 NPFE Cohort!

Are you ready to become a stronger fundraiser and make a bigger impact?

Whether you're writing your first grant, leading a development team, serving on a nonprofit board, or preparing to earn your Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, the Nonprofit Professional: Fundraising Executives (NPFE) program is built for you.
Over 8 interactive sessions, you'll gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to strengthen your organization's fundraising efforts.

✨ What You'll Gain:
✔ Fundraising essentials rooted in ethical best practices
✔ CFRE exam preparation
✔ Expert instruction from experienced fundraising professionals
✔ A comprehensive study guide
✔ Networking with nonprofit leaders from across Mississippi
✔ 28 CFRE Education Points (CEUs)

Who Should Apply?
• Executive Directors
• Development & Fundraising Professionals
• Board Members
• Anyone responsible for raising funds for a nonprofit or interested in deepening their knowledge base in fundraising.
Cost: $1,000 per participant (scholarships and payment options available upon request).

📅 Application Deadline: August 3, 2026, at midnight
⏳ Space is limited, and this cohort fills quickly. Don't miss your opportunity to invest in your professional growth and your organization's future.

Apply today! https://alliancems.org/npfe-2026/
Questions? Contact DeLorean King at [email protected] or 601-968-0061 ext. 123.

What is NPFE? Nonprofit Professional: Fundraising Executives (NPFE) is an advanced training experience designed to empower nonprofit leaders and board

07/10/2026

There's still time to join us for our July Quarterly Member Meeting!

Register today and hear from Charles Lindsay, CPA, of Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, P.A., will discuss Mississippi House Bill 1171, which arrives at a time when organizational resilience depends on compliance readiness.

We will also hear from Suzanne Rutherford, Executive Director of Volunteer Mississippi, who will provide an update on AmeriCorps and National Service programming. Learn how these programs can help strengthen impact, expand capacity, and better serve communities.

Click the link to register: http://bit.ly/44hnK9z