It’s official: The fall season is upon us! There is something beautiful about this time of year. The leaves begin to change in preparation for a season of reflection and transformation. The earth begins its own quiet work of renewal, reminding us that rest is not the end of the story; it is often where new vibrance begins.
In addition to all the below information within this newsletter, we are planning our next conference, featuring new topics of interest and impactful presenters! Be sure to save the date:
17th Annual Nonprofit Institute Conference Tuesday, March 9, 2027
Thank you for staying connected to the Nonprofit Institute. It continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve you!
With gratitude,
Stephanie Stephanie D. Rolle Director, Nonprofit Institute at CSM Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant
Announcements
Stronger When We Work Together
An enormous and heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugural networking event, Making the Net Work: The Collaboration Collective! You braved the rain and showed up not simply to network, but to share, care for one another, contribute to each other’s missions and dreams, and discover what becomes possible when we make the time to connect. And if that wasn’t enough, you built the highest tower of hope ever!
New relationships were formed. New ideas were shared. “Aha” moments were plentiful. And we had the privilege of witnessing the kind of possibility that emerges when people take the time to truly learn about one another and discover where their missions intersect. It was inspiring.
Based on your early responses, it appears we may have just created a new fall tradition for the Southern Maryland nonprofit community, and I couldn’t be more excited about that possibility.
Thank you for bringing your energy, generosity, creativity, and good humor to an experience that reminded us of something we already know: We are stronger when we work together.
Pathways to Possibilities: Connect Your Clients to What’s Next
Do you serve individuals who are ready for a new career, a fresh start, or a new direction? Through Pathways to Possibilities, the CSM Nonprofit Institute is partnering with CSM’s Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development to connect individuals with training and support that can help them build a stronger future.
CSM offers workforce training for in-demand careers in skilled trades, transportation, healthcare, business, technology, and more. Participants can explore career pathways, build new skills, earn industry certifications, and prepare to enter or advance in the workforce. Support may also include financial assistance, career advising, mentorship, connections with regional employers, and other services designed to help participants succeed.
We invite nonprofit organizations to share this opportunity with the individuals they serve. Join us for an information session Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. to learn more about how you can connect your clients with CSM resources.
We have exciting news to share! CSM’s fourth annual Day of Service is moving tofall 2027, and we believe the new season will make the experience even more meaningful.
Fall is a season of giving, gratitude, and community, making it a fitting time for the CSM community to come together to serve, connect and make an even greater impact for nonprofit organizations across Southern Maryland. We’re already looking forward to what’s ahead, and we hope you are, too! Stay tuned for more information about Day of Service, including the new deadline for project submissions.
Professional Development
A New Season of Learning and Growth
Our commitment to professional development remains one of our top priorities, but we are also thinking differently about what professional development can and must look like in this moment.
Beyond the traditional basics, we are elevating our curriculum to challenge us to think more like visionaries rather than simply maintaining the status quo. This moment calls for innovation, adaptability, and the courage to think beyond what has always been done.
As you consider your professional development priorities, think about what this moment requires of you, your team, and your organization. Let’s continue building organizations that can sustain without strain, grow without grind, and scale with excellence.
Have you heard the term “quiet quitting”? This month’s featured article from CoreHealth explores the connection between employee well-being and organizational performance, citing a Gallup finding that “only 21% of employees strongly agree that their organization genuinely cares about their well-being.” That statistic should give us pause.
As nonprofit leaders, are we treating well-being as a preventive investment, or are we waiting until there is a problem to respond?
As the year draws to a close, take a moment to consider how your organization is supporting the people who make your mission possible. Read the article. Start the conversation. Invest in well-being.
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. To understand the purpose of each Affinity group, please visit our Affinity Group Definitions Page
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, Dec. 15 10 – 11 a.m.
Our Nonprofits Need Volunteers
Ready to Make a Difference? Here’s Your Invitation!
This newsletter is an opportunity to connect people throughout Southern Maryland with meaningful ways to serve. If you, your high school student, friends, family, or neighbors are looking for a way to get involved, there are nonprofits throughout Southern Maryland doing incredible work that could use your support.
Then, take the next step: contact the organization and discover how you can lend your time and talents.
You may be surprised by just how good it feels to make a difference. Together, we can make an even greater impact.
Keep the Ideas Coming
Spark 2026!
We are receiving wonderful ideas that help us understand what you would like to see from the Nonprofit Institute. We love hearing from you and invite you to continue sharing.
my.CSMD
A New Season of Learning and Growth
Are We Paying Attention to Well-Being?
Ready to Make a Difference? Here’s Your Invitation!
Spark 2026!