Spring is a Time for Growth | | |
Happy Spring! I love this time of year. The grass gets greener, the flowers bloom, and the sun just seems to shine brighter. Spring brings renewal and growth, so it's the perfect time to think about our growth as individuals, leaders, and organizations. The Nonprofit Center team is here to help, whether you desire to grow your staff (like we are), your revenue streams, or your own personal and professional development.
This month, we are pleased to introduce you to two new staff members, lower rates for office space, and an expanding lineup of programs and resources. We will continue to share what we learn from others, connect you with like-minded leaders, and celebrate your wins. And by working together, we will all help grow the strength of Anne Arundel County's nonprofit sector.
| | Fundraising & Sustainability - Virtual Training | | |
Yesterday, we kicked off our Fundraising & Sustainability Webinar series.This virtual series is FREE for 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve Anne Arundel County residents. Unlike traditional webinars, Dr. Lili Leonard has created interactive sessions with real-time activities and group discussions. Attend one session or attend them all... it's up to you.
The transition from an in-person cohort to a virtual course makes the program accessible to more organizations. And, like our in-person cohorts, the more you engage, the more everyone learns.
| | Scroll down for session dates and descriptions. Please register at least two days before each session. Sessions are not recorded. | | | | | |
Frances Ortiz, our new Office & Events Assistant, started March 12th. If you host an evening event at the Center, you are sure to see her. Today, Nkeshi Free joins the team. In the role of Communications & Outreach Coordinator, she will assist us with overall communications strategy and ensure that you can get the information you need, when you want it, and in a format that works for you. Their bios will be posted to the NPC website soon.
| | New Rates for Office Space | |
The Nonprofit Center team has worked closely with the County's Real Estate office to review and update the fee structure for office space, and we have good news. Private offices now start at $222/month and cubicles are as low as $54/month. The spaces are ideal for smaller nonprofits or larger organizations looking for a satellite and short-term office. Amenities include utilities, maintenance, cleaning, wi-fi, copies, parking, priority use of meeting spaces, Nonprofit Learning Lab membership, and special training opportunities.
If you've never seen our office or meeting spaces, or just want to take another look, check out the video, then contact us at 410-222-6999 to schedule a tour.
| Don't Forget These Services for AACo Nonprofits | | |
Evening Hours: The Nonprofit Center is open for meetings from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday until August 14th and potentially longer if there is a need. If you are looking for evening meeting space, review the information on our Meeting & Event Spaces page and contact NPC staff about availability.
Job Board: Post paid and unpaid positions free of charge.
Nonprofit Events Hub: Post your meetings, events, and short-term volunteer opportunities.
Nonprofit Learning Lab: Free membership (valued at $1000) to this online training and resource library. Details are available in the What's New section of our website. Only 6 spots remain.
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| Leading with Less: What We Learned | | |
Last Thursday, we hosted our third annual Nonprofit Conference, Leading with Less. This was our first year holding the event at the Center's home in Crownsville, and we sold out with 65 participants. The day was filled with creativity, curiosity, and connection. Attendees left with a sense of renewed excitement and inspiration for the work they do in our community.
We were honored to have County Executive Pittman welcome the attendees and to hear motivational words from keynote speaker Carmen Marshall, Interim President and CEO of Maryland Nonprofits.
She encouraged leaders to surround themselves with specific people and emphasized one thing that is not an option. Curious to know what she said? Check out the highlights, a brief recap, and conference photos (coming soon) in the What's New section of our website.
If you attended the event, please don't forget to tell us what you thought by completing the post-conference evaluation!
| | Upcoming Nonprofit Center Programs | | | | March 23rd was Crossover Day, the date by which a bill needs to move from the originating chamber (Senate or House) to the other to ensure time for review. Senate Bill 4 (SB0004), the Keeping Charities Nonpartisan Act of 2026, which protects the nonpartisan character of Maryland’s charitable nonprofits passed the Senate (32-13) and has moved on to the House for its first reading. | | Resident Organization Highlights | | |
Congratulations to Charlene's Circle of Support on their office ribbon cutting (happening today at the Nonprofit Center) and recent interview on WEAA 88.9 radio.
| | | Chesapeake Crossroads held two well-attended Maryland Day events this week | | Anne Arundel County Food Bank's board and staff held a strategic planning session last month | | Nonprofit Center staff and volunteers select roles during the annual conference | | |
"Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned."
- Peter Marshall
| | Your Well-Being Matters: Quick Tips for Busy Changemakers | | |
When working on difficult, long, and/or tedious projects, it can be hard to maintain motivation, especially if progress is very incremental. Try these strategies to increase self-motivation:
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Set clear and achievable goals: a common structure for these are SMART goals
- Set boundaries between work and personal time - it also prevents burnout!
- Cultivate a positive and supportive work environment
- Pursue continuous learning & professional development
- Recognize achievements, big or small: take time at the end of the day to reflect on your accomplishments, and share with your support network
Source: OBI Business School
| | Check Out This Month's... | | |
☆ Anne Arundel County Library
☆ Nonprofit Hub Podcast
☆ Next After Minute - 60-second video clips with tips related to fundraising (YouTube)
☆ Maryland Nonprofits Nonprofit Development Center (NDC)
- The application deadline for free consulting assistance has been extended to March 27th. If you are not a member of the NDC and your nonprofit is fewer than 10 years old with an annual budget less than $750,000, consider joining today!
| | Grants, Funding Opportunities, and Other Resources | | |
CFAAC's Fund for Anne Arundel grant applications are available now. These grants, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, support programs that prioritize the health of children and families in Anne Arundel County.
For detailed information about the application process, view the 2026 Fund for Anne Arundel Grant Application: Question-by-Question Walkthrough.
Apply online at cfaac.org/apply/for-nonprofits/fund-for-anne-arundel-county/
Deadline: April 21, 2026
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☆ Arts Council of Anne Arundel County Community Arts Grants applications will be available March 15, 2026. Review the detailed guidelines to prepare. Application deadline: April 15, 2026. Note the dates changes from last month's newsletter.
☆ Simpler.Grants.gov is an official website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Their mission is to make federal funding opportunities simpler to navigate and the grants experience more seamless for everyone. They host virtual demonstrations and have posted recordings online.
☆ 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.
☆ Chronicle of Philanthropy - Available in the NPC Resource Library. A subset of this month's stories include:
- How funders are helping nonprofits that face legal threats over DEI
- The toll that low nonprofit pay takes on the sector
- How AI is helping savvy nonprofit professionals streamline and work smarter
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☆ Nonprofit Navigator Services - This Maryland Department of Commerce program helps nonprofit organizations across the state access and manage funding opportunities, overcome administrative challenges, and connect to the state resources. Support services include helping organizations find relevant grant opportunities and reviewing final drafts of applications.
Click the flyer to learn more.
| | | | 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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