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Last week was a perfect example of what the Nonprofit Center was envisioned to be - a hub of resources and activities where organizations can meet, learn, collaborate, and celebrate.
On Wednesday, we hosted teacher training and a press conference while Amber was leading the second strategic planning session for our resident organizations. That evening was NAMI’s Family to Family class. We welcomed three other nonprofits that week as well. Arundel Community Development Services and Junior League of Annapolis would have been here today if it wasn’t for the snow. It's be so much fun to see so much activity in the building, and NOW we're open until 9pm for meetings. It's just a pilot test, though, to determine if the need exists.
In other news, we've shifted our cohort training to a webinar format to accommodate more people and our conference is just over three weeks away. Have you registered yet? As usual, you’ll find information on a wide range of professional development opportunities, grants, and other resources to help your team and your organizations flourish. Enjoy!
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The Nonprofit Center is expanding its hours from February 17th to August 14th. This pilot test will help us determine if the need for meeting space is great enough to add evening hours on a permanent basis.
Resident organizations have access to these spaces year-round and receive priority when scheduling (a benefit of working onsite).
Other nonprofits should review the information on our Meeting & Event Spaces page, then contact NPC staff about availability.
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The legacy of grassroots leadership, organizing, and advocacy built during the Civil Rights Era continues to inspire the leaders of today. Prioritizing community-led solutions and systemic equity ensures that those closest to the challenges are driving the solutions. This Black History month we talked with Ratasha Harley and Juanita Banks Whittington, leaders of two organizations that call the NPC home, about challenges, community support and working in Crownsville. READ MORE.
| | Upcoming Nonprofit Center Programs | | |
Leading with Less is a smaller conference designed for visionary leaders and strategic thinkers committed to leading with intention through uncertain times. Join us to explore how to leverage relationships and technology to continue driving lasting change. Seats are limited to 65 participants.
All of the details, including session descriptions, are available on our website at aacounty.org/npc2026conference.
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NEW DATES and FORMAT
We listened and have modified the schedule to better meet your needs.
We recognize that nonprofit leaders need more flexible options, so we're pleased to announce that the F&S cohort content for small and newer nonprofits will now be available in a Lunch & Learn webinar format. The series is free for AACo nonprofits.
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The Nonprofit Center (NPC) hosted its first monthly Community Co-Working Day on February 10th. Participants said they appreciated the bright, comfortable spaces and the sense of calm.
Co-working has been shown to increase productivity, improve life-work balance, and provide an overall sense of community. If you want to check it out, join us March 23rd. No registration required.
| | Legislation Impacting Nonprofits | | | | State Senator Cheryl Kagan introduced Senate Bill 4 (SB0004), the Keeping Charities Nonpartisan Act of 2026. The bill protects the nonpartisan character of Maryland’s charitable nonprofits, even if federal authorities eliminate or undermine the Johnson Amendment, which has protected nonprofits from partisan politics for more than 70 years. | | State Bill (HB656) Mirrors Federal Threats to Nonprofits - click to review an article by the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN). Also, reported today by the NCN, the Office of Personnel Management notified more than 4,400 charitable nonprofits that participate in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) that it will end the program as soon as March 4. Just last year, the CFC raised $66 million for nonprofits. This will be a big hit to nonprofits and NCN encourages organizations to urge their members of Congress to protect the campaign. | | Federal Funding For the Food Bank | | |
Congratulations to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank on receiving $133,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to purchase a refrigerated box truck. The press conference announcing this and other awards, including funding for the Meyer building at Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park, was hosted at the Nonprofit Center.
County Executive's Press Release
Article in the Baltimore Banner
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☆ Search for Grants at Anne Arundel County Library
- With more than 304,000 grantmaker profiles and 29 million grants, Candid's Foundation Directory offers an expansive list of funders on a search platform that identifies opportunities that best match your mission.
- Candid is available free of charge at all branches.
- You can schedule a 1:1 appointment with a librarian to learn the basics.
☆ Candid Changes Course and Strategy
- As government data falters, nonprofit giant Candid is slashing staff to become the essential "truth layer" for AI platforms. Read how this legacy organization is gambling its future on the high-stakes belief that vetted, real-time facts are the only way to protect philanthropy from AI hallucinations.
- This was written by AI. Read the real article HERE.
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Nonprofit Learning Lab - FREE
The Nonprofit Center is offering free membership to the Nonprofit Learning Lab for Anne Arundel County nonprofits through July 15, 2026. This is professional development at your fingertips, and it's valued at over $1000 per organization.
All of the details and the link to sign up are in the What's New section of our website.
Only 10 spots remain.
| | Summer Intern Opportunities | | | | |
The Nonprofit Center's interns have been extraordinary - each making significant contributions as we created programs and spaces to support local nonprofits.
We're looking for a summer intern who enjoys community service, is interested in public service, and wants a variety of learning experiences. Please share, and contact us for more information or (tell others to) CLICK HERE to APPLY.
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Anne Arundel County Workforce Development Corporation is seeking businesses (including nonprofits) to host interns (paid by AAWDC) as part of its FutureSuccess program.
This 5-week program can be a win-win for organizations and the youth who particpate. If you are interested, complete the AAWDC Interest Form.
| | Charlene's Circle of Support hosted an open house. | | Jennifer tests out the new stage. Larger options are available. | | Anne Arundel Giving Together's held its Annual Meeting. | | |
"Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and initiative, leaders change things." - Reverend Jesse Jackson
| | What's Happening at Maryland Nonprofits | | |
☆ Conference Planning Committee
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Maryland Nonprofits is seeking members to join the 2026 Annual Conference Planning Committee. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the vision, content, and overall experience of their premier statewide event. Submit an interest form by March 6, 2026. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CYYLNV3
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☆ Opinion Editorial: Keeping Charities Nonpartisan Protects Us All
- By Carmen C. Marshall, Interim President & CEO, Maryland Nonprofits
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☆ Nonprofit Development Center (NDC)
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Through the NDC, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Commerce, eligible organizations gain access to free resources, expert guidance, and a supportive community to help them build strong foundations and increase their impact. Nonprofits fewer than 10 years old with an annual budget under $750,000 are encouraged to apply. Learn more here.
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☆ Scenario Planning in Action
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Maryland Nonprofits is offering a training series designed for nonprofit leaders and board members who want practical tools to navigate uncertainty and strengthen long-term sustainability.
The Nonprofit Center may be able to support the cost of attending. If you have applied (or didn't, but wanted to), please email Jennifer now.
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Nominations for "Non-Proft of the Year" are being accepted now. This award is presented to an Anne Arundel County nonprofit organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to its mission and made a meaningful impact on the quality of life in the community. The recipient will show strong collaboration with and engagement in the business community.
Nominations should describe the organization’s mission, impact, and why it deserves this recognition. The deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026. Nominate a nonprofit HERE.
| | Your Well-Being Matters: Quick Tips for Busy Changemakers | | | | |
Have you ever caught yourself in a cycle of negative thinking? It can impact your work and general well-being. This short video shares how to reframe those thoughts with a few simple steps. Catch It - Check It - Change It.
Click here or the image to view.
| | Check Out This Month's... | | |
☆ Evaluation Tips for Small Nonprofits
- Posted by Nonprofit Hub, this article shares eight tools small nonprofits can use to evaluate success.
☆ Grantseeking Resources Workshop
☆ Build A Board People Actually Want to Join
- This 30-minute podcast from Nonprofit Hub focuses on building a high-performing board and provides a bit of extra insight on collaboration.
☆ Other Webinars:
| | Grants, Funding Opportunities, and Other Resources | | | | As the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” Strengthening grant-writing skills can help nonprofits better serve and improve life across Anne Arundel County. | | The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) offers this workshop each year and it's a must-do for nonprofits planning to apply for CFAAC's Fund for Anne Arundel Grant.
Mark your calendar for March 4, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm at the Busch Annapolis Library. Learn more and register today. | | |
☆ Arts Council of Anne Arundel County Community Arts Grants applications will be available April 1, 2026. Review the detailed guidelines to prepare. Application deadline: April 30, 2026.
☆ Community Tree Planting Mini Grants are available now. These small community-based grants (up to $5,000) help communities and organizations increase the number of trees and tree canopy in neighborhoods, parks, and other spaces throughout Anne Arundel County. Managed by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are expended. Learn more here.
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The 2026 AARP Community Challenge is on! This program makes communities more livable for people of all ages with tangible improvements that jump-start long-term change. This year, the AARP Community Challenge will accept applications across three distinct grant opportunities: Flagship Grants, Capacity-Building Microgrants, and Demonstration Grants.
Review the details and apply by March 4th!
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Applications for Leadership Anne Arundel's Flagship Program are available now.
LAA is committed to helping candidates with a sincere desire to positively impact Anne Arundel County get the financial support they need to participate. A limited amount of need-based tuition assistance is available primarily to nonprofits, individuals, and small business owners.
Other professional development assistance, such as the Ardath M. Cade Scholarship, can be used to offset the costs.
| | | | This is cool. A nonprofit in Baltimore, located about 20 minutes from Jessup, Severn, Glen Burnie, or Millersville, offers tools and equipment for organizations working to uplift, beautify and strengthen communities. For projects big or small, they put tools in the hands of those who power change. Learn more at baltimoretoolbank.org. | | | | Follow us on Facebook for new events, grant opportunities, and other resources specifically for local nonprofits. | | |
You can support our mission by donating to the Nonprofit Center's fund at the
Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County.
Donate here.
| | | | | | | The Nonprofit Center is a program of Anne Arundel County government. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Contact nonprofitcenter@aacounty.org seven days in advance of any NPC-sponsored event to request an accommodation. | | |
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