With the midterm elections complete, we are providing a resource for your organization to reach out to the new officials in your area. This is an opportune time to talk about the work you do and the active partnership between Michigan philanthropy and our elected leaders.

Together with our colleagues at the Michigan Nonprofit Association, we have drafted a sample letter you can use for outreach to your new, local representatives. (View and download the letter by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.) The content can be copied and pasted onto your own letterhead and mailed, or it may provide helpful talking points as you craft your own message. You can view a list of the newly elected officials by district on the Michigan Secretary of State website.

The sample letter includes reference to the fact that together with MNA, we have a long history of building and supporting a strong, nonprofit charitable sector that:

• Employs one in every 10 Michiganders, a total of nearly 450,000 jobs.

• Works with the Legislature through a bipartisan, bicameral nonprofit caucus.

• Has a history of public-private partnerships on issues such as education, health, early childhood and food access.

• Collaborates through a Nonprofit Council to the Charitable Trust Section of the Office of the Attorney General.

• Networks and shares expertise with the executive branch, particularly through the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison.

• Leverages state resources with private resources, such as through support of the Census 2020 Michigan Nonprofits Complete Count Campaign that amplifies government efforts to ensure Michigan maximizes federal funding revenue derived from census data.

Reach out to your local legislators today!

In collaboration with your outreach, CMF is in contact with the transition team for Governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer to learn how we can be helpful, particularly through the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison.

Whitmer’s official website outlines her position on 12 issue areas, ranging from road repairs and healthcare to Michigan's water and urban poverty. 

Her plan for improving education focuses on quality education from “cradle to career” (i.e. phasing in quality, full-day universal preschool), paths to prosperity with a highly educated workforce (i.e. growing support for project-based learning), respect for educators (i.e. more opportunities for teacher collaboration), and stabilizing school funding and improving accountability (i.e. converting to a weighted foundation allowance).

In regard to economy and workforce development, her plan focuses on high-wage skills, closing the economic inequity gap, unleashing Michigan’s economic development potential and helping small businesses compete and repeal of the Retirement Tax. Whitmer has also suggested ensuring every student creates a post-graduation career plan.

Whitmer’s campaign platform included also a plan for immediate action to expand treatment and recovery services for opioid addiction, building on and expanding permanent drug take-back programs, investing in treatment courts and holding physicians and drug companies accountable.

Other statewide officials elected in November’s midterms include Secretary of State-elect Jocelyn Benson, Attorney General-elect Dana Nessel, and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (re-elected). Visit the Secretary of State website for a complete list of election results by district, including state senators and representatives.

Want more?

View and download the sample letter by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.

Visit Governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer’s official website.

View a list of the newly elected officials by district.

Learn more about the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison.