March 2025

Message from the Executive Director

Much of our work at the Nonprofit Center, in preparation to open the newly renovated facility at 41 Community Place, is behind-the-scenes. So, this past month has been an absolute joy as we have hosted more face-to-face events. It was a pleasure to connect with so many of you in-person at the Open House in February and our second annual conference earlier this month. We appreciate all the kind words and positive feedback, and our excitement grows as we inch closer to the day organizations can work together on-site. If you missed either of these events, we’ve recapped them below.

Collaboration was a big theme at this year’s conference and, in that spirit, we continue to strengthen our partnership with the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) to support local nonprofits; this time through the creation of an agency fund. CFAAC has also assembled a comprehensive list of resources for individuals affected by federal policy changes. Please check those out in addition to our monthly spotlights, grants list, and professional development opportunities.

-- Jennifer

NPC Conference 2025: Highlights & Photos

On Friday, March 7th, we hosted our second annual conference at the Chesapeake Arts Center, specifically designed for small to mid-sized nonprofits from Anne Arundel County. With dozens of local nonprofits in attendance, the day was filled with valuable learning and networking opportunities.

We were fortunate to have our day started with messages provided by County Executive Steuart Pittman and CFAAC’s John Rodenhausen, Director of Gift Planning. Our keynote speaker, Lili Leonard of Black Dog Philanthropic, inspired our guests by encouraging nonprofits to have an abundance mindset while pursuing fundraising efforts. Multiple guest speakers led insightful breakout sessions, and we were thrilled to feature a panel discussion focused on collaboration. Attendees also enjoyed networking over breakfast pastries and a lunch provided by Light House Bistro.

The feedback we received was incredibly positive and we are so encouraged to see how professional development opportunities like these empower our local nonprofits to increase their impact in the community. We’re excited to continue supporting their growth and success!

Left: NPC was grateful for a team of volunteers who helped plan and implement the conference.

Right: Conference attendees are greeted as they arrive.

Left: Lili Leonard, Jennifer Purcell, and County Executive Steuart Pittman start the conference with welcome messages and the keynote address.

Right: Conference attendees listen to panelists discuss their real-life experiences with collaboration.

Understanding Participation: Requesting Your Feedback

If you did not attend the conference, we're curious to know why. Please take this 2-question survey to help us better understand barriers and decisions regarding attendance. Your feedback will help us tailor future programs to better serve the needs of the nonprofit community. Responses are anonymous unless you choose to share your organization's name. 

Announcement: Save the Dates!

The Next Fundraising & Sustainability Cohort Starts in April!

NPC Opens Agency Fund at the Community Foundation

Did you know that several Anne Arundel County departments can accept charitable gifts? Through a strategic partnership with the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, donors can make direct contributions to benefit specific departments and programs, now including the Nonprofit Center! See the full list here. This fund will give us the opportunity to enhance our programming even when the county budget is tight.



NPC's New Home at 41 Community Place: Open House Highlights

On February 20th, the Nonprofit Center hosted its first Open House! It was an encouraging day, with opportunities to discuss our programming, provide tours of our new space, and network with local nonprofits, businesses, and consultants.

Over 100 visitors walked through the doors. We saw fellow coworkers from County agencies, many curious local residents, various community leaders, as well as our neighbors from The Blue Ribbon Project, Hope House Treatment Centers, Gaudenzia, Anne Arundel County Food Bank, and Chrysalis House.

A sincere, heartfelt "THANK YOU!" to everyone who was able to make it to our Open House or who reached out to congratulate us! If you were unable to attend and you are interested in utilizing space at the NPC, contact Jennifer at expurc99@aacounty.org to schedule a tour. Specific details will be available soon.

Stay Updated on Federal Changes

The National Council of Nonprofits' “General FAQs on Executive Actions Impacting Nonprofits” is updated regularly and includes the most updated information on which executive orders directly and indirectly affect charitable nonprofits. There is also an option for you to sign up for updates.

The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County recently posted Resources for Residents affected by federal policy changes on their website. In addition to tracking impact on nonprofits, there are resources for individuals, families, employers, and federal works. Please share these resources with your networks.

Featured External Events

In The Spotlight: Care Prepared

Founded in late 2023, Care Prepared is a local nonprofit organization focused on compassionate healthcare planning, allowing families and individuals to receive the medical treatment they want before a health crisis occurs.

Their mission is to increase the understanding, access, and documentation of healthcare planning for all individuals (regardless of race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation), especially those with life-limiting conditions before a medical crisis.

Tammy Turner, the Founder and President of Care Prepared, has an M.A. in Management of Aging Services from the Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC and a post-graduate certificate in the Management of Dementia Care Services. 

Read more about them on the Spotlight portion of NPC's website, or visit Care Prepared's website, where you can also sign up for their newsletter! 

In The Spotlight: Boys & Girls Clubs

For 35 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (BGCAA) has filled the gap between school and home, serving more than 3,500 young people each year through membership and community outreach.

BGCAA's seven Clubhouses are strategically located inside or near communities with a significant concentration of poverty. Their mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

BGCAA, in partnership with the Chaney Cares Foundation, is preparing to build a new Clubhouse in Lothian, allowing us to serve more youth in the South County area.

Read more about them on the Spotlight portion of NPC's website, or visit BGCAA's website!

"The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit."

-Nelson Henderson

Free Professional Development Resources

☆ Free Webinar by Nonprofit Learning Lab:

From Inbox to Impact: Perfecting Your Nonprofit Email Marketing Strategy

This presentation is designed for nonprofit professionals involved in marketing, development, or donor engagement who want to maximize the impact of their email campaigns. This session dives into strategies to help nonprofits craft compelling email content that cuts through the digital noise and drives meaningful action, whether it's donor stewardship, fundraising appeals, or event promotions. Attendees will learn proven methods to boost open rates, click-through rates, and donor response by leveraging data-driven insights and audience segmentation.

March 24, 12:00 pm Register Here

☆ Free Webinar by Candid Learning:

Introduction to Project Budgets

Are you ready to start fundraising for your project or idea, but don't know what and how much to ask for? If preparing a budget for your foundation grant is holding you back, come learn the basic elements of how to draft a project budget with confidence. This class will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to generate a standard project budget for a foundation proposal.

April 1, 2025, 2:00 pm EST Register here

☆ Free Virtual Program at AACPL:

Introduction to Proposal Writing

The class includes the basic elements of a proposal the “do’s” and “don’ts” of writing and submitting a proposal, how to follow up, and a hands-on exercise to develop a proposal outline.

April 23, 2025, 2:00 pm Registration opens April 9th

☆ Free Downloadable Guide: Collaborative Budgeting

Collaborative Budgeting is a game-changer for nonprofits. It allows you to create an accounting process that is transparent, accountable, and deeply understood by all stakeholders. It lets you get the most out of your resources, saves precious time, and empowers you to make informed decisions that align perfectly with your mission.

Download PDF here

☆ Free Online Guide: 4 Steps to Hosting a Charity Auction

Planning and executing a successful charity auction can be a game-changer for your nonprofit's fundraising efforts. Whether you're hosting a gala, dinner, or other impactful event, having the right strategy and tools in place is key.

Read here

☆ Uncover new funding opportunities with AI

Test out Candid’s newest AI-powered tool to receive custom funder and RFP recommendations based on information from your nonprofit profile.

Try it out, here

☆ Recorded Town Hall, Presented by Maryland Secretary of State

Topic: Registration Requirements for Charitable Organizations

This Town Hall discusses the initial and annual registration requirements for Charitable Organizations to solicit in Maryland.

Watch the video here

Grant Opportunities

☆ The Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program Now Open

What this funds: Watershed planning, restoration engineered designs, and small or large-scale restoration projects, such as rain gardens, bioswales, living shorelines, or stream restorations. This program seeks cost-effective projects that will reduce pollutants through the implementation of watershed restoration practices.

Application Deadline: March 20, 2025

☆ The National Endowment for the Arts: Research Awards

Research Grants in the Arts funds research studies that investigate the value and/or impact of the arts, either as individual components of the U.S. arts ecosystem or as they interact with each other and/or with other domains of American life.

Application Deadline: March 24, 2025

☆ Arts Council: Community Arts Grants

Annual Community Arts Grants provide general operating support to 501(c)(3) arts organizations that are based in and provide programming in Anne Arundel County.

Application Available: April 1- April 30, 2025

☆ The Fund for Anne Arundel, CFAAC

In 2025, the Fund for Anne Arundel will make grants to programs that prioritize the health of children and families. This includes access to physical, mental, and behavioral health programs. Programs for which the grant will apply must be used to serve only Anne Arundel County residents.

Application Deadline: April 22, 2025

☆ Arts Council: Mini Grants

Mini Grants support arts programming by nonprofits or community organizations that will benefit an underserved audience or fill a community need. Partnerships are highly encouraged, and a 1:1 cash match is required.

Application Available: May 1 - May 31, 2025

☆ 2025 BGE Community Safety Grant

Currently seeking projects that foster safe and vibrant community environments, support spaces that promote emotional well-being, and enhance community disaster preparedness and resilience.

Application Deadline: May 16, 2025

☆ The Campbell Foundation

A family foundation that believes in strategic infusions of funding, we dedicate nearly 100% of our grant dollars to the environment. As citizens of the planet, we are compelled to participate in the protection of natural resources in the communities where we live. The maximum amount you can request for an unsolicited grant is $25,000.

Application Deadline: August 29, 2025

☆ The Pathfinder - Generative AI Award, through Amazon.com

The Pathfinder — Generative AI award will provide support for a highly innovative, mission-critical project that leverages generative AI. This project will have the potential to produce a scaled, repeatable solution that directly accelerates mission achievement and may impact an entire industry or field.

More information, here.

Congratulations to the twelve Anne Arundel County nonprofits that received a 2025 United Way Neighborhood Grant! These grants provide up to $10,000 to carry out community-centered projects that are resident-driven, connect community members, and create positive change. See the list of grantees here.

Did you know we post new events, grant opportunities, and other resources specifically for local nonprofits on our Facebook page? Follow us HERE!

The Nonprofit Center is a program of Anne Arundel County government. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Each NPC-sponsored event includes information about how to request an ADA Accommodation.

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