May 2026 Nonprofit Institute Newsletter

Logo for the Nonprofit Institute at the College of Southern Maryland, featuring a handshake graphic and the institute's name.May 2026 Newsletter

Bloom into May with NPI- showing pretty flowers bloom all around

Director's Letter

Happy May to my colleagues in the work of caring,

As flowers begin to bloom across Southern Maryland, I hope this newsletter finds you well, energized, and thriving. With the new season comes fresh momentum and there are some exciting things in the spring air at the Nonprofit Institute.

Next up, cleared for takeoff. Our Corporate and Community Impact Pilot Initiative is officially on the runway. This two-year pilot will pair for-profit companies with nonprofit organizations to explore the real power of partnership. Nonprofits that registered for the pilot program will gain access to valuable skills and consultation, while companies deepen their commitment to the communities they serve. Our nonprofit partners have already submitted thoughtful proposals and will soon be matched with businesses to build meaningful, lasting collaborations for good. It does not get much better than that. Stay tuned.

And speaking of collaboration…we hear that word all the time—but now we are bringing it to life in a new way.

We are pleased to introduce our newest signature fall event:

Making the Net Work:
The Collaboration Collective

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

This is not a typical conference. It is designed to be high energy, highly engaging, and focused on real connection. The morning begins with nonprofits gathering in like-focus groups to share what they do and spark or expand ideas for collaboration. Then, participants move into a dynamic experience designed to help them reconnect with others who inspired them earlier in the day.

What will you walk away with? New relationships. Fresh ideas. A strong network of contacts and resources. Most importantly, a community you can call on. There are no workshops, long presentations, or rigid formality. Instead, this is a thoughtfully designed comfortable space for meaningful connection and the shared understanding that we are in this together.

As an added bonus, one of our nonprofit partners has generously offered a free, day-long retreat (lunch included!) for a nonprofit team of up to 16 people. Attendees will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win this experience. More details are coming soon. For now, save the date and get ready. Something special is on the horizon.

There are so many exciting developments ahead for our Southern Maryland nonprofit community, and we look forward to sharing more in the coming months. Please share this information to help expand our reach. As the saying goes, 'If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.' Let us move forward together.

With gratitude,

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

Announcements

NPI Spark with a hand holding out a lightbulb that is sparking a lightShare Your Ideas Through NPI Spark

Your ideas are helping shape what comes next at the Nonprofit Institute, and we are excited about the direction you are pointing us in. Keep them coming.

Tell us what you want to see, build, or explore next. Let us keep creating what is ahead together.

Submit your idea through NPI Spark

Wellness Matters

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

We heard from you at the conference and are excited to offer something new for you and your professional staff that supports the work you are doing every day. If budget is a concern, this offering is completely free:

Nonprofit Wellness Seminar: Mission Critical

Designed with the wellbeing of nonprofit professionals in mind, this experience supports staff at every level, from CEOs and executive directors to frontline team members. It focuses on sustaining the people who sustain our communities. When nonprofit teams are well, missions thrive.

Join us for a practical and engaging session on how intentional wellness practices can strengthen your workforce, protect your mission, and support long-term impact.

May 13, 2026

Space is limited, and registration is now open:

Register and learn more

Do not wait. Spaces will fill quickly.

Professional Development

Adults in a classroom

Professional Development Lineup

The core courses you rely on are still here, along with new offerings designed to expand your professional skills and introduce new ways to approach challenges and support sustainable growth. Explore the lineup and register today.

New opportunities and courses are now open for registration.

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

The Nonprofit Institute is interested in hearing from you about topics you wish to discuss during affinity group meetings. Please send suggested topics for specific meetings 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

Faith-based affinity group icon of 2 opened up hands with spokes above them white on green

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

NPI All Community Call icon displaying a phone

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.

Tuesday, June 16
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Meetings are quarterly. Be sure to place the following 2026 dates on your calendar: Sept. 15 / Dec. 15

Nonprofit Spotlight

Children's Theatre of Southern Maryland showing drama faces in the color of the MD flag and a birthday hat on top with 5 in a balloon

Children's Theatre of Southern Maryland

The Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring self-confidence, communication skills, and self-worth in all participants. Its mission is to support productions and classes that showcase and develop local talent while enhancing the artistic experience for all who participate on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience.

Come see these talented young performers shine.

Learn More

 

Would you like your nonprofit featured in an upcoming spotlight?

Submit your Request
Contact Us

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Nonprofit Institute at CSM
nonprofit@csmd.edu
PO Box 910
La Plata, MD 20646-0910
301-934-7544

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