April 2026

Message from the Executive Director

Welcome to the April issue of Nonprofit News. It’s National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the people who show up for our organizations and communities. Take a special moment this week to high-five your volunteers. If you’re looking for volunteers, it’s easy to post opportunities on our job board and events hub. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the administrative professionals who keep our nonprofits running smoothly. We see your hard work, your organization, and your dedication.

In this issue, we are focused on providing resources to help you navigate the months ahead, from one-on-one grant consulting with the Maryland Nonprofit Navigator to essential tips for managing stress and avoiding burnout. Whether you are seeking new funding or a quiet space to co-work, the Nonprofit Center is proud to be your partner in this work. By leaning on one another and sharing our resources, we continue to build a more resilient and impactful nonprofit community here in Anne Arundel County. We hope to see you around the building soon!

-- Jennifer

Navigating the Funding Year

The Nonprofit Center is partnering with the Maryland Nonprofit Navigator to offer a limited number of one-on-one, 45-minute consulting sessions during our May Community Co-Work Day! The Maryland Nonprofit Navigator is a free State resource that offers direct assistance for nonprofits that serve Marylanders. The Nonprofit Navigator helps organizations overcome administrative roadblocks and support to secure funding through tailored support for applicants, awardees, and seekers of state, federal, local, and private grants.Click here to schedule an appointment with Nonprofit Navigator, Jessica Doiron, on Tuesday, May 5th! Space is limited. 

Candid is an online platform that connects nonprofits and donors to better support our communities. "Candid is where nonprofits find grants, donors find nonprofits that inspire them, and all can gain insights about the work being done for good." - Candid.org. Candid is updating their search platform to better connect nonprofits and donors. With their updated platform, nonprofits will find funders faster and funders will find nonprofits that align with their values faster. 

National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, and this year, National Volunteer Week is April 19–25, 2026. People and nonprofits across the country are celebrating the truly amazing people who dedicate their time and talent to serve our communities and make a difference. The essential contributions of volunteers extend beyond the emotional and feel-good benefits; their hard work also has a significant economic impact.

According to the Independent Sector and the Do Good Institute, the national value of a volunteer hour in the U.S. climbed to $34.79 as of April 2025. Notably, the value of volunteer time in Maryland is even higher, at $35.53, almost a dollar more than the national average.

We encourage everyone throughout April to thank a volunteer for their tireless and selfless acts of service. 

Our local nonprofits depend on the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers. Discover ways how you can get involved by exploring volunteer opportunities on the Nonprofit Center's Nonprofit Job Board or Anne Arundel County's Volunteer and Donate page.

Legislation and Advocacy

The Maryland General Assembly recently adjourned on April 13, 2026. Also known as Sine Die, it is the final day of the legislative session. Once this deadline passes, any legislation that has not been approved by both the Senate and the House of Delegates is considered finished for the session. 

That is what happened to Senate Bill 4, the "Keeping Charities Nonpartisan Act of 2026" which protects the nonpartisan character of Maryland’s charitable nonprofits. Although the bill successfully passed the Senate and crossed over to the House of Delegates, it remained in committee when the session ended; therefore, it did not reach the Governor’s desk and will not become law. 

Upcoming Nonprofit Center Programs

Community Co-Working Days: We invite nonprofit professionals from across the County to join us anytime between 9am and 5pm for our monthly Community Co-Work Days. Simply bring your laptop, your lunch and/or favorite snacks, and anything else you need to have a productive work day.

A limited number of private working spaces are also available for those who are interested. Please contact 410-222-6999 for more information. 

Fundraising and Sustainability Webinar Series: To make our Fundraising & Sustainability curriculum more accessible to nonprofits, we have pivoted to a virtual model. We understand that nonprofit leaders need flexible options, so we are excited to continue the Fundraising & Sustainability Webinar Series for small, new, and emerging nonprofits.

Scan the QR code in the flyer below, or use this link to register. Please note, you are not required to attend all sessions - you can register for one, a few, or all sessions.

Grants, Funding Opportunities, and Other Resources

☆ Arts Council of Anne Arundel County

• Fall Mini Grant: This Mini Grant program provides project-specific funding for innovative arts initiatives scheduled between July – December 2026. This opportunity is designed for organizations looking to elevate their artistic endeavors or expand their audience reach. The Mini Grant maximum grant award is $2,500. Applications will be accepted May 1 - May 31, 2026.

•  Arts Angels Scholarship: The Arts Angels Scholarship opens doors for children, youth, and teens, who have the passion, but not the means, to develop their artistic talent. Students who are eligible for these scholarships will be identified directly through arts organizations, which will apply for scholarships on their behalf. Scholarships will be offered for camps and programs in visual art, drama, music, dance and filmmaking at locations throughout Anne Arundel County. Organizations may apply for a maximum $1,200 in scholarship funding. Applications will be accepted between May 1 and June 15, 2026.

☆ Chesapeake Bay Trust

• 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.



If you are an Anne Arundel County nonprofit and have an upcoming event, activity, or volunteer opportunity, submit your information for posting on the Nonprofit Event Hub.

Check Out This Month's...

☆ Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC)

• Anna E. Greenberg Board Symposium: Build, Inspire, Sustain: Governance for Nonprofit Success:- May 12, 2026; 12:15 - 2:00 p.m. $25

Join CFAAC for an in-person workshop with Rob Levit on strengthening nonprofit governance, leadership, and long-term sustainability, with practical insights designed for nonprofit board members and leaders! Learn about the role of the board in an organization’s lifecycle, characteristics of high-performing boards, and how best to involve a board in governance. Register to attend.

☆ Anne Arundel County Library

• Introduction to Project Budgets - May 13, 2026; 2:00 -3:00 p.m. (virtual)

This virtual class, offered by the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) will cover the essentials of budget preparation. It includes budgeting as part of a basic grant proposal, estimating the realistic cost of a project, and so much more.
Register today.

☆ Nonprofit Hub Podcast

• What If Real Leadership Starts with Being Human This episode delves into the vital difference between “checking up” on goals versus “checking in” on people and things effective leadership can do towards building a workplace culture where high performers can actually thrive long-term. Click to listen.

☆ Nonprofit Learning Lab

The following trainings are being offered by the Nonprofit Center in partnership with the Nonprofit Learning Lab. Register in your designated membership portal to attend a session.

• A Values-Driven Framework for AI Policy as Fiduciary Responsibility | May 18 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET
• The 90-Second Pitch: A Framework to Engage Funders in Crucial Moments | May 20 & 27 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm ET
• Navigating Burnout: Addressing Systemic Factors to Empower Organizations | May 21 & 28 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET
• Nonprofit Stability Planning: Finding Firm Ground in a Chaotic Context | May 26 | 11:00 am - 12:30 am ET

☆ Charting Careers

• Free Digital Skills Training Workshops: Google Workspace 

Improve your or your staff's digital skills with free Google Workspace training! Participants are welcome to join one or all sessions. Register today.

Session dates: 

Saturday May 16 - 9am - 10.30am

Wednesday May 20 - 6pm - 7.30pm

Location: Eastport United Methodist Church (Back Lower Level)

926 Bay Ridge Ave.

Annapolis, MD 21401

• “Strengthen the Way You Engage with Youth: Building Authentic Youth–Adult Partnerships”

This interactive workshop is a great opportunity to deepen your approach to youth engagement, strengthen partnerships, and walk away with practical tools you can use right away in your programs. Register today.

Hosted by: CADCA, Maryland Department of Health, and Charting Careers

Training Details:

Date: Wednesday, May 27

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Charting Careers' Office at Eastport United Methodist Church 

Cost: Free (lunch provided)

Nonprofit Highlights

Around the Building

Lindsay Kinslow and her VetReset Foundation were interviewed by WMAR Cyera Williams "Voice for Veterans" Show

Charlene’s Circle of Support was featured on NBC4 Washington The April 8, 2026 segment highlighted the grand opening and their new space at the NPC.

Leadership Anne Arundel's Board holds meeting at the NPC.

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

- Albert Pike

Your Well-Being Matters: Quick Tips for Busy Changemakers

Stress is a natural, healthy response to everyday demands or challenges. Events like a promotion at work or buying a house can cause eustress, a positive form of stress where stressors prompt hope, vigor, and life satisfaction.

However, stress becomes problematic when it interferes with daily functions. For nonprofit staff, the high stakes of the mission can sometimes turn into a persistent sense of urgency. When a stressor is perceived as a threat, stress is expressed through anxiety, concern, tension, and diminished performance. This can eventually lead to burnout for even the most dedicated team members.

One method for managing mounting stress is to utilize grounding techniques to calm and re-center the mind. The Cleveland Clinic has a collection of 13 techniques for physical and mental grounding. These are just some of the tips provided through our in-person stress and trauma workshop on May 28th, facilitated by United Way of Central Maryland. Information to register is coming soon!

Follow us on Facebook for new events, grant opportunities, and other resources specifically for local nonprofits.

Does your organization have an upcoming event, activity or volunteer opportunity that you would like to promote? Submit it for posting on the Nonprofit Event Hub.

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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