March 2026 Nonprofit Institute Newsletter

March 2026 Newsletter

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As the seasons change, NPI is here to help you grow, showing a winter scene switching to an early spring scene

Director's Letter

Dear Colleagues in the Work of Caring

Dear Colleagues in the Work of Caring,

After a brutally frosty winter, we look to March to usher in the beauty of spring. I have always been in awe of the seasons, how they change and the opportunities they bring each time we move from one to the next. The seasons remind us that growth is possible and renewal is inevitable. I love the seasons because, as Quincy Jones so powerfully expresses in his song, "Everything Must Change," there is beauty and inevitability in change.

Winter turns to spring
A wounded heart will heal
But never much too soon
Yes everything must change
The young become the old
And mysteries do unfold
'Cause that's the way of time
Nothing and no one goes unchanged
There are not many things in life
You can be sure of, except
Except, rain comes from the clouds
Sun lights up the sky
And hummingbirds do fly

And from where I sit, there is one more thing you can be sure of: the nonprofit community in Southern Maryland remains resilient, adaptable, and passionately committed to delivering on the mission of caring. Each day, I meet individuals who never give up hope, never concede defeat, and remain determined to find the resources and support needed to keep the work of caring moving forward. You, our nonprofits in Southern Maryland, are my heroes. It is an honor and a privilege to provide innovative thinking and meaningful ways to serve you, help sustain the work you are called to do, and support the impact you have chosen to make.

With that in mind, exciting new initiatives are emerging from our strategic plan, and we could not be more energized about what lies ahead. Staying connected is essential, and sharing the good news as each new initiative rolls out helps strengthen our collective impact.

Be sure to click the link below to read all the exciting news in this month’s newsletter. Stay connected — many good things are on the horizon.

With gratitude,

Stephanie Rolle wearing a black shirt and a statement necklace, standing in an elegantly decorated room.

Stephanie
Stephanie D. Rolle
Director, Nonprofit Institute at CSM
Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant

The NPI Strategic Plan: A Brand-New Day Comes To Life

The Corporate and Community Impact Exchange

This new pilot program has officially received the green light to launch in May 2026. We are thrilled to partner with a cohort of innovative nonprofit organizations that enrolled in the NPI Pilot Program at last year’s conference and are now participating in this transformative initiative.

The program will intentionally connect for-profit corporations and nonprofit organizations in a two-year exchange focused on shared learning, service, and impact. Last fall, our nonprofit partners participated in a half-day training that produced exceptional proposals. During that same season, several business executives joined a focus group breakfast hosted by ACE Consulting Group and CSM President Yolanda Wilson. Together, these efforts informed the final model for the Corporate and Community Impact Exchange.

Watch for the official rollout announcement. Our strategic plan is coming to life, and we are excited about what lies ahead.

Wellness: A New Opportunity; A New Resource

A hand pressing the wellbeing button of 7 circle buttons that contain a hand weight, a person with heart health, a clock, money going up, a person running upwards, and a nurturing mind

Nonprofit Wellness: Mission Critical

This half-day experience is designed to equip nonprofit leaders with practical, creative strategies to sustain their most valuable asset—their people—while clearly connecting to the organization’s bottom line. Nonprofit wellness is not a “nice-to-have" idea; it is a business imperative. Each instance of staff burnout can result in the loss of institutional knowledge, delays in meeting grant benchmarks, and a noticeable decline in morale and productivity. Left unaddressed, these challenges directly affect mission delivery. The good news is that many of these outcomes are preventable, and prevention begins with attention. Join us to explore how intentional wellness practices can strengthen your workforce, protect your mission, and position your organization for long-term impact. Invest in your people—because when your team thrives, your mission does too.

Space is Limited!

Reserve your spot and be part of this important conversation.

Professional Development Opportunities

Board Leadership showing a woman presenting information on a bulletin board

New Courses Now Open for Registration

We are currently offering a set of new and exciting courses designed to strengthen your skills, elevate ways of thinking and being, and support the growth of you and your teams. Be sure to take advantage of these new courses:

The Board Bootcamp: Premier Nonprofit Board Leadership IntensiveBeyond the Bake Sale: Engaging Gen Z and Millennials in Meaningful Service

Also explore our other professional development offerings.

In addition to these traditional offerings, stay tuned for two new topics currently in development. These courses will help you capitalize on the power of social media and expand strategies for building a strong financial foundation for sustainability. They are being designed in fresh, innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of today’s nonprofit organizations.

Making An Impact

Our nonprofits are sustained, in large part, because of volunteers. Please consider sharing your time with a Southern Maryland Nonprofit.

Explore Opportunities

Nonprofit Institute Affinity Groups

We want to hear from you! Share topics you’d like to discuss during affinity group meetings by emailing to nonprofit@csmd.edu. Your suggestions help shape meaningful conversations.

Join any Zoom meeting:
csmd.zoom.us/j/4018197023
Meeting ID: 401 819 7023
Password: nonprofits

Executive Directors’ Network

Thursday, March 26
10 – 11 a.m.
Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month (with the exception of holidays).

Faith-Based Affinity Group (in person) - Save these dates!

Wednesday, May 27
12 p.m.
St. Mary's Parish
407444 Trinity Church Road,
St. Mary's City, MD 20686

Wednesday, Aug. 26
Location TBD

The Nonprofit ALL Community Call

All affinity specialty groups come together for an opening chat or presentation. Afterward, participants break out into their respective areas of interest — fundraising, marketing, and volunteer coordination — to share ideas with each other.

March 17 meeting canceled due to the college closure for spring break.
Next meeting: June 16, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Meetings are now quarterly. Be sure to place the following 2026 dates on your calendar: June 16 / Sept. 15 / Dec. 15

Learn More About Affinity Groups

Voices Of Care (The Nonprofit Institute’s New Podcast)

Episode 2: Pure Play Every Day

College of Southern Maryland’s Nonprofit Institute sat down with Pure Play Every Day for a lively conversation about creativity, play, and community connection. In this interview, NPI Director Stephanie Rolle discusses how Pure Play Every Day uses everyday play experiences to foster joy, learning, and meaningful engagement for families and communities.

Learn More

Nonprofit Spotlight

Calvert Safe Housing Network logo showing hands holding wrists making a circle

Calvert Safe Housing Network

Calvert Safe Housing Network is dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We help survivors find safe and stable housing, and provide crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, connections to counseling, and community resources. A key part of our work is helping survivors rebuild their lives with the essentials they need for safety and stability. Our Donation Wish List flyer highlights items such as household goods, toiletries, gift cards, and children’s supplies. Every tax-deductible donation directly helps a survivor take the next step toward rebuilding their life and finding lasting safety, stability, and hope. For more information, please contact Viena Osorio at vosorio@calvertsafehousing.org or 703-863-2603.