In this episode of State of the Nonprofits, host Autumn Vest sits down with MSS IT Director Gary Hires to talk about two hot topics in the nonprofit tech world: how organizations can start using AI in simple, effective ways, and what Microsoft’s decision to discontinue many nonprofit discounts means for budgets and planning.

Gary shares practical tips, common myths, and what nonprofit leaders should be thinking about when it comes to IT strategy in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re tech-savvy or just trying to keep your systems running, this conversation will leave you with ideas and insight to move forward with confidence.

Learn more about MSS (Midland Shared Spaces): www.midlandss.org

In this episode of State of the Nonprofits, we’rejoined by Andra Lancaster Jones, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Permian Basin. Drawing from her background in education and her current role in youth development, Andra shares insights on collaboration, community partnerships, and what it takes to break down silos in West Texas.

Whether you’re leading a nonprofit or volunteering yourtime, this conversation is a reminder that we’re stronger when we work together.

State of the Nonprofits is a program of MSS (MidlandShared Spaces).

In this episode:

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Permian Basin, https://basinkids.org/

In this episode, host Autumn Vest chats with Hunter Haynie, Development Director at Centers for Children and Families - and son of longtime nonprofit leader Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie. They explore what draws young professionals to the nonprofit sector, what keeps them engaged, and how organizations can create space for the next generation of leaders to grow and thrive.State of the Nonprofits is a program of MSS (Midland Shared Spaces).

MSS Executive Director and Show Host Autumn Vest is joined by MSS Operations Director Marc Kondrup to preview the 2025 Midland Nonprofit Community Social, happening Thursday, July 10 at Midland College.

We'll share what to expect—from keynote speaker Johnnie Lou Avery to free lunch, games, and networking—and why this event is a must for all Midland County 501(c)(3) staff.

Register your nonprofit staff here: https://midlandss.org/our-work/community-nonprofit-social

In this episode of State of the Nonprofits, we sit down with Kristi Colclasure, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Management Center of the Permian Basin (NMC). As a newcomer to West Texas with deep experience in nonprofit leadership, Kristi shares how the Center is embracing change, fostering collaboration, and equipping local organizations for long-term success.

We explore the power of partnerships, the challenges and opportunities of navigating transition, and what’s next for the NMC as it continues to support and strengthen the vibrant nonprofit sector of the Permian Basin.

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, volunteer, or community partner, this conversation offers valuable insights into building resilience and driving collective impact in a time of change.

"State of the Nonprofits" is a program of MSS produced in partnership with the⁠ ⁠Recording Library of West Texas⁠⁠.

Over the last year, MSS has been working behind the scenes to create a multi-employer welfare association that would allow nonprofits in our region to come together for the purpose of accessing quality healthcare benefits for employees at more affordable rates. Your help is needed to continue the effort as we work toward building a meaningful association for nonprofit employees serving across our region. In this episode, host Autumn Vest is joined by Jeff Hughes, Vice President with Holmes Murphy introduce the West Texas Nonprofits Benefits Trust (WTXNBT) currently in development.

In this episode:

Learn more about the West Texas Nonprofits Benefits Trust at https://wtxnbt.org/

On this site, you can submit your data to join the effort or Register for a Town Hall Meeting.

You can also email info@wtxnbt.org to request a one-on-one meeting for your agency.

If you would like to submit a show idea, contact Autumn at avest@midlandss.org.

"State of the Nonprofits" is a program of MSS produced in partnership with the⁠ ⁠Recording Library of West Texas⁠⁠.

In this episode of State of the Nonprofits, we dive into the creation and goals of the newly formed Midland Nonprofit Marketing Network (MNM). Hosted by MSS’s Executive Director, Autumn Vest, the conversation brings together founding members of MNM—Cali Trowbridge of SHARE, Rachel Austin of Bynum School, and MSS's own Leslie English.

Together, they explore how and why this unique network was started, its goals for fostering peer support and collaboration among nonprofit marketing professionals, and its long-term potential for nonprofits. From first meetings and early challenges to ambitious future visions, this episode provides insight into the impact of peer networks on nonprofit success.

Find out more about MNM and upcoming meetings, contact Leslie English at lenglish@midlandss.org.

"State of the Nonprofits" is a program of MSS produced in partnership with the⁠ ⁠Recording Library of West Texas⁠⁠.

In this holiday-themed episode of State of the Nonprofits, we dive into the successful collaboration between Junior Achievement of the Permian Basin and the Midland Athletic Company, focusing on the annual Nighttime Jingle Bell Run. This festive 5K event has become the largest of its kind in the area, thanks in large part to a strategic partnership. Guests Melinda Henderson of Junior Achievement of the Permian Basin, and Martin Vega and Kayla Melendez of Midland Athletic Company, discuss the origins of this partnership, the key roles each organization plays, and the mutual benefits that arise from such collaborations.

In this episode:

Register now for the 2024 Jingle Bell Run happening Saturday, December 4 at https://midlandathleticcompany.com/pages/jingle-bell-run

Become a Jingle Bell Run Sponsor learn more about Junior Achievement at https://permianbasin.ja.org/

Discover all that the Midland Athletic Company has to offer from shopping to race events at https://midlandathleticcompany.com

"State of the Nonprofits" is a program of MSS produced in partnership with the⁠ ⁠Recording Library of West Texas⁠⁠.