Message from the Executive Director
There was a lot to take in yesterday, but reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr.’s life and legacy left me inspired. “Make a career of humanity” are the first words of one of Dr. King’s many inspirational statements. I believe that many who choose a career in the nonprofit sector have chosen that path - to make the world, the country, and our county a better place to live. And, they do so amidst changes and challenges. The Nonprofit Center was created to help nonprofit organizations build capacity, but we hope to make that work a little easier by building resiliency, too. In this issue, we share details on two exciting training opportunities and resources for those interested in how the election could impact the sector. Of course, it also includes our monthly spotlights, announcements and list of grant opportunities.
-- Jennifer
| |
2025 NPC CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN! | |
Join us at this year’s conference as we explore how nonprofits can harness proven business strategies and the power of collaboration to amplify their impact. Together, we'll uncover practical tools and ideas to strengthen your mission and drive lasting change.
Register now!
| |
What's New: Update on 41 Community Place | |
Progress at 41 Community Place was slow over the holidays, but we’re back in full swing. Although still a few months away, the first spaces that will be ready are the meeting spaces. Several rooms will be available, including a small meeting room that seats six, another that accommodates 14 people, and a larger space that can seat up to 70. Keep in mind, this is an old building so some of the spaces are quite unique. Stay tuned for an invitation to an open house next month. It will be an opportunity to see the space, learn more about the Nonprofit Center, ask questions, and give us feedback before the final work is done. | |
FREE TRIAL: Nonprofit Learning Lab | |
If you are interested in pilot testing this program, learn more on the NPC "What's New" webpage. The Interest Form will be available on that page at 9:00 a.m. this Friday, January 24, 2025, and will stay posted until all 18 slots are filled. | |
The Impact of Elections on Nonprofits | |
In The Spotlight: Children's Theatre of Annapolis | |
CTA is dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of the love of theatre in children ages 5 to 18 through participation in all aspects of the theatrical experience, including performance, workshops, technical elements, community involvement, and apprenticeships.
CTA provides a positive circle of influence through friendships that foster self-esteem, creativity, commitment, teamwork, appreciation, and dedication. In this way, CTA serves the child and the community.
| |
Want a preview of what will be on the stage soon? See their upcoming shows listed here. Or, be part of the magic of a mainstage CTA show! They hold auditions for mainstage productions periodically throughout the year. Find audition dates here.
The theatre is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse creative environment and will consider all auditioners, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or disability. We encourage anyone who is interested to audition. Every auditioner will be considered for any role unless the race, age or gender of a character is integral to the story or has been explicitly specified by the playwright and required by the production contract. Please visit our website at www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org
"CTA strives to support children, families and community by providing a safe place where children can be free to be themselves and grow." Michelle Bruno, President of the Board of Directors says, "It is always wonderful to watch each child grow and come into their own through our programs and shows."
“What CTA taught me was that with simple common goals or interests, the superficial boundaries between us disappear in an instant. With each exchange, my heart peeked out another inch from beneath my sleeve. I became a more positive person. A stronger conversationalist. A storyteller. On stage and off, I learned what theater is all about.” Finn - A CTA Senior
You can read more about Children's Theatre of Annapolis as well as other featured organizations on our In The Spotlight page!
| |
More inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | |
| |
|
County Budget Process is Underway: What the NPC Plans to Request in FY2026
Every January, county departments submit their budget requests for the next fiscal year. Requests for increases to our base budgets are called supplemental requests, and the County Executive receives far more each year than the county can possibly fund. But, we're staying optimistic that the Nonprofit Center will continue to grow. As you know, we're getting closer to the opening of 41 Community Place, and we've already got some great programming in place. In addition to that, we hope to:
- Provide benefits to full-time staff
- Keep the building open in the evening hours, a time when nonprofit organizations are looking for convenient meeting space
- Pilot test a Nonprofit Incubator program (name has yet to be determined) that includes formal training, coaching, and technical assistance for a small cohort of organizations
- Re-initiate our successful internship program
- Expand the resource library
- Furnish additional offices at the Center
| |
|
We may not be able to do it all, and that's okay. But, as a nonprofit leader, you can advocate for what is important to you. Whether it's for the Nonprofit Center, health and human services in general, or something completely different - say parks, public safety, or pickleball - share your feedback via email at budget-comments@aacounty.org or attend a budget town hall in your community.
Four dates remain:
- January 29th at North County HS
- January 30th at Arundel HS
- February 4th at Annapolis HS
- February 5th Spanish Language Town Hall via Zoom
| |
Announcements for Nonprofits | |
☆ Webinar for Nonprofits: Congressionally Directed Spending
The Senate will accept requests for earmarks, formally called congressionally directed spending (CDS). Earmarks allow Members of Congress to request that federal funds be set aside for specific projects in their states. These presentations will walk you through the CDS process, address frequently-asked questions, and share important information you’ll need to know before applying for CDS funding.
In order to allow as many organizations as possible to participate, please limit RSVPs to one attendee per organization. A recording of the session will be shared with participants who can then share with their colleagues.
To register, please click on the relevant hyperlink below:
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: Thursday, January 23 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
| |
In The Spotlight: Arundel Rivers Federation, Inc. | |
Arundel Rivers Federation (ARF) is an integral part of maintaining the sanctity of Anne Arundel County waterways, and is dedicated to preserving and protecting the South, West, and Rhode Rivers. Integrating scientific research with community involvement, ARF works to protect wildlife, preserve natural resources, and improve water quality.
Oyster restoration is a crucial component of improving water quality within Anne Arundel County. In partnership with several similar organizations, ARF coordinates with about 100 oyster growers who monitor and implement oyster regrowth. Growers hang cages of spat off of their piers, allowing oysters to reach maturity before joining an oyster reef. Oysters that reach maturity as a result of grower involvement are more likely to survive on an oyster reef than brand-new spat.
ARF creates a course of action based on their extensive River Monitoring programs, which includes Tidal Monitoring, Bacteria Monitoring, Biological Monitoring, and Restoration Research Monitoring. Water quality data is collected by a dedicated team of trained staff and volunteer members. You can access updated water monitoring information on the Department of Natural Resources Eyes on the Bay webpage, where data is updated every fifteen minutes.
There are several ways to get involved with ARF. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit their Volunteer page. To report pollution such as algal bloom, oil or hazardous material spill, or illegal fishing activity, visit their Report Pollution page.
To advocate for cleaner waterways in Anne Arundel County, visit their Speak Up! page. Be sure to keep an eye on their event page!
| |
|
Have a New Year mantra for your nonprofit team? Borrow one from us! Which is your favorite? | | | | |
Free Professional Development Resources | |
☆ Navigating the County Budget: How to Advocate for Community Needs
Discover how the County's budget is built, where funding comes from, and how it's allocated. Hear directly from the Budget Office about the budget process, revenue sources, and spending priorities. Plus, gain expert tips on submitting impactful testimonies, utilizing the Budget Toolkit, and staying informed.
Recorded Webinar, now posted on YouTube: Watch Here.
☆ Free Webinar by Candid: Get your board fundraising
Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Eastern
Learn practical strategies for better engaging your board in fundraising. This course will cover boards’ typical fundraising responsibilities, why some board members may be reluctant to fundraise, and how to overcome these concerns. Presenters will brainstorm new ways your board members can participate in fundraising activities and will share tips for strengthening your board and aligning on fundraising priorities. Register here.
☆ Short How-To Video on Using Candid’s Foundation Directory
We've had some great questions lately from small nonprofits asking "where do I find funders?!" Candid's Foundation Directory can be a powerful tool for finding funding sources and open grants. Not sure how to use Candid? This article is super helpful, and has short videos within the article to make it user-friendly. Take a look!
☆ Protecting Civil Rights During Challenging Times
Join this 6-hour, free event offered by Howard Community College for an insightful day focused on protecting civil rights during challenging times. Featuring engaging discussions, informative speakers, and opportunities to connect with others who are passionate about this important topic. Saturday, February 1, 2025. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Howard Community College: 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway. Register here.
☆ CPR and AED Certification Training
Medicine With a Mission, a local nonprofit, is providing hands-on training for CPR and AED Certification.Training will be held Friday, January 24 from noon to 4:30 pm at Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library located at 1410 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Register here. Registration is limited to twenty nonprofit employees.
| |
☆ 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
|
☆ Anne Arundel Women Giving Together
Beginning January 2, 2025, local nonprofits are encouraged to submit a grant application for operating and program grants that support the mission to “improve the quality of life for women and families in Anne Arundel County.” Please visit the Grants Guidance webpage for complete information.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
|
☆ Community Support Grants
Grants for nonprofit organizations to increase their impact and operate more efficiently and efficiently to improve and enrich the lives of Anne Arundel County residents and communities. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $50,000. All applications should be completed online through Arundel Community Development Services’ (ACDS) Neighborly Portal. Learn more here.
Application Deadline: February 21, 2025
| |
☆ FY 26 Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) Grant Round Now Open
This grant program provides grants ranging from $5,000-$100,000 to organizations sustaining and creating place-based heritage experiences within Maryland’s 13 heritage areas. Visit the Maryland Heritage Areas Program webpages to confirm your eligibility, review the grant guidelines, and to begin the process of submitting an ITA.
Application Deadline: Intent to Apply forms due January 27, 2025. Full applications are due by March 3, 2025
| |
|
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. | |
If someone forwarded this newsletter to you or you're viewing it online,
you can subscribe here.
| | | | |