August 2026 Nonprofit Institute Newsletter

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

See what NPI is cooking up this month! showing a zoom in of someone cooking on a grill

Director's Letter

I hope you’ve had an opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved time to recharge this summer. As we look ahead, we’re excited to share what’s coming next!

Registration is underway for Making the Net Work: The Collaboration Collective, and we look forward to bringing nonprofit professionals together to connect, collaborate, and discover new opportunities to strengthen our communities. We hope you’ll join us!

Making the Net Work:
The Collaboration Collective

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
CSM La Plata Campus
Center for Business and Industry (BI Building),
Room 113/113E
Continental breakfast provided
Register Today

Registration deadline: Sept. 15, 2026

While you're updating your calendar, be sure to save these upcoming dates:

  • 17th Annual Nonprofit Institute Conference – March 9, 2027
    WINNING: Strong Minds. Smart Strategies. Extraordinary Impact.
  • 4th Annual Day of Service – April 27, 2027

Thank you for all you do to strengthen our communities. We look forward to seeing you soon!

With gratitude,

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

Announcements

collage of Stephanie Rolle meeting with different people, one of her on a porch with 2 ladies, one of her hugging a lady, and one of her in a hallway talking to people

NPI Goes On Tour This Summer: Great Visits with Great Organizations

This summer, we have been honored to visit and celebrate the incredible work of Southern Maryland nonprofits, including Boundless Expectations, The Spring Dell Center, and Ladies of Charity Calvert County. Thank you for welcoming us and sharing your missions with our team. Our summer nonprofit tour continues for one more month. Organizations interested in a visit are invited to connect with us at sdrolle@csmd.edu.

Wellness Matters

Wellness items, such as juice veggies, a hand strengthening gripper, shoes and a dumbbellNonprofit Wellness Matters and It’s Not Always Expensive

Research continues to show that employee retention is about more than compensation. Studies, including research from McKinsey & Company, show that employees are more likely to stay when they feel valued, supported, and connected to leaders who genuinely care. Learn more: Money can’t buy your employees’ loyalty

One of the most meaningful ways leaders can demonstrate care is by prioritizing workplace wellness. Investing in the well-being of your team strengthens engagement, builds trust, and creates a culture where employees feel supported. Explore these 15 free workplace wellness ideas designed to help organizations encourage wellness and show employees they matter.

NPI Spark with a hand held out and a light bulb shining above itSpark 2026!

The new way to share your ideas — anytime. We are receiving wonderful ideas that help us understand exactly what you would like to see from the Nonprofit Institute. We love them and invite you to continue sharing your ideas. 

Submit your idea, and let’s keep building what’s next together!

Submit your idea through NPI Spark

Professional Development

"Board Bootcamp Just Ahead" sign against a blue sky with cloudsThe popular Board Bootcamp is back this Spring!

Every time we consult with people interested in starting a nonprofit, one topic always comes as a surprise: the legal responsibilities of board members. Serving on a nonprofit board carries important legal and fiduciary duties, and every board member should understand those responsibilities.

Whether you're launching a new nonprofit or serving on an existing board, this course will help you build the knowledge and confidence to lead effectively.

See Board Bootcamp details and what’s new

 

Coming soon: An expanded HR series featuring an overview of labor law and a new course on social entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for more information and keep an eye on the Nonprofit Institute's professional development offerings.

Professional development offerings

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. If you are new or simply need a reminder of what each one is, please visit our Affinity Group Definitions Page

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)

Wednesday, Aug. 26
12 - 1 p.m.
Circle of Angels/Mandy Lee’s Vintage Shop & Art Studio
136 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

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.

Next Meeting:
Sept. 15
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Meetings are quarterly. Be sure to place the following 2026 date on your calendar:
Dec. 15

Voices Of Care (The Nonprofit Institute’s Podcast)

Maria McDonald, Executive Director- Greenwell Foundation, smiling wearing a suit jacket and scarf

Episode 5: Maria McDonald

College of Southern Maryland’s Nonprofit Institute sat down with Maria McDonald, Executive Director of the Greenwell Foundation. Check out what she had to say.

Learn More

Nonprofit Spotlight

Greenwell Foundation logo - showing green sprouts in front of a turquoise circle

Greenwell Foundation

Greenwell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing accessible, inclusive programs, services, and facilities for individuals of all abilities across Southern Maryland. Located within the 600-acre Greenwell State Park in Hollywood, Maryland, the foundation offers equestrian, nature, veterans, and summer camp programs, serving more than 60,000 visitors annually while continually expanding to meet evolving community needs.

Get Connected
Have a question about our programs or want to get in touch? Feel free to reach out!
Office Phone: 301-373-9775
For general questions please email gwfprogramassistant@gmail.com.

Learn More

 

 Would you like your nonprofit featured in an upcoming spotlight?

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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