This section offers information about grants and resources for nonprofit organizations, including new opportunities noted in our monthly newsletter. Grant opportunities appear below. Be sure to click on the Resources tab to see new and existing opportunities and the Nonprofit Startup Resources tab for pertinent information.
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New! The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area’s Seed Grant is open. This grant program is designed to further the mission “to enhance the economic activity of Southern Maryland through combining quality heritage tourism and small business development with preservation, cultural, and natural resource conservation and education." Nonprofit organizations and local jurisdictions within the borders of the Certified Maryland Heritage Area (comprised of significant portions of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties) are eligible
to apply.
Applications are due May 17. Learn more and apply.
New! The Rural Maryland Council's fiscal year 2025 grant cycle is open. RMC offers two grant programs: The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) provides grants to rural-serving nonprofit organizations that promote statewide and regional planning; economic and community development; and agricultural and forestry education. The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) provides grants that help raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving the best aspects of cultural heritage and rural way of life.
Phase I (Letter of Intent) applications are due May 17. Learn more and apply.
Grants.gov: A portal where organizations and individuals can find and apply for grants from the federal government.
Contact us for more information via email: nonprofit@csmd.edu or call: 301-934-7544.
New! Calvert County Grants Collaborative
The Calvert County Grants Collaborative is comprised of grant writers from nonprofit and government organizations in Calvert County. The group meets virtually every quarter to share information on grants they were seeking, fundraising needs within their organizations that could potentially be served by grant funding, and opportunities for organizations to collaborate on current and future grant projects. The next meeting is Wednesday, May 8, at 2 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Danielle Russell, Grants Management Program Specialist
Office of the County Administrator | Calvert County Government
410-535-1600 x2212
Danielle.Russell@calvertcountymd.gov
New! Nonprofits and Elections 2024
CSM Work-Based Learning (WBL) provides students with real-life work experiences to develop their employability skills. Employers can help shape the future workforce, evaluate potential employees in work settings before hiring, and grow talent with quick and reliable skilled labor. Learn more
Southern Maryland Media Resources: This guide includes contact information and basic instructions for contacting media in Southern Maryland. Updates and new entries may be sent to nonprofit@csmd.edu.
Did You Know? Nonprofits can post employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities on the College Central Network, the go-to career resource for CSM students, alumni, and community members of the greater tri-county region.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of St. Mary’s County helps to place persons 55 years of age and older in rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling volunteer opportunities with local county agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations. Contact: RSVP Program Manager Monika Williams at 301-475-4200, ext. 1653 or RSVP@stmarysmd.com
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): Nonprofit organizations are needed to host the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties. Community residents age 55 and older who need training to re-enter the workforce are placed with a nonprofit, receive a state stipend, and help fill an organization’s needs. Call 301-374-1142.
Free Foundation Directory Essential via Candid: If your nonprofit’s annual revenue or expenses total less than $1M and you earn a Gold Seal of Transparency or higher, Candid’s Go for the Gold program offers a free year of access to Foundation Directory Essential. Learn more
Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Southern Region provides training and counseling services to new and existing businesses. Designed for all stages of business development, themed workshops range from business planning, to how to comply with legal and tax issues.
Human Resources Association of Southern Maryland (HRASM) is a membership-based organization that provides networking, educational, advisory, and training opportunities to HR professionals in Southern Maryland. Members are offered activities and programs for professional growth and improvement while meeting and networking with other locally based professionals.
Maryland Nonprofits: Maryland Nonprofits is a membership-based organization that offers professional development opportunities and special events. Some resources are free, but most are available to paid members.
Coaching/Consulting Assistance from the Nonprofit Development Center: Access free technical assistance, consulting, training programs, and more. The NDC is appropriate for those in the early stages of running a nonprofit. The NDC is sponsored by the Maryland Department of Commerce and participants must meet certain eligibility requirements. To find out if your nonprofit qualifies - contact: learning@mdnonprofit.org
Maryland Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism (GOSV): This unit of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives funds AmeriCorps State programs and recognizes volunteer service. You can recognize volunteers throughout the year by requesting Governor’s Volunteer Service Certificates. You can also submit nominations for the Governor's Service Awards. The office offers other ways to recognize volunteers.
Business Volunteers Maryland: Brings the talents of local business professionals to nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers and board leadership.
MD Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts: A nonprofit organization offering pro bono legal services for arts organizations and artists.
National Council of Nonprofits: This site contains useful tools & resources. The Council is a central coordinator, identifying emerging trends and sharing proven practices. Free reports are available on the site.
National Center for Charitable Statistics: Features high-quality data on nonprofits and their relationships to other sectors.
BoardSource: A go-to resource for funders, partners, and nonprofit leaders who want to magnify their impact within their community through exceptional governance practices.
Association of Fundraising Professionals: (AFP) is the professional association of individuals and organizations that generate philanthropic support for a wide variety of charitable institutions.
Starting a nonprofit? We can help. Contact us to begin the conversation. And check out these resources:
Nonprofit Startup Assessment Tool
Assess your readiness with this tool from GrantSpace by Candid. It offers free expert guidance and directs you to resources.
Is Starting a Nonprofit Right for You?
A free, self-paced online course where you will learn the legal and logistical elements necessary to start a successful nonprofit.
Maryland Secretary of State
Charitable Organizations Division >>
Starting a Nonprofit in Maryland >>
IRSIRS for Charities and Nonprofits >>
How to Start a Nonprofit in Maryland
Legal Resources