December 2025 Nonprofit Institute Newsletter

Table of Contents

Select below to skip ahead to a section

• Director's Letter
• Announcements
• Wellness Matters

• Professional Development And More…

• Nonprofit Institute Affinity Groups

• Be featured in an upcoming spotlight!

Director's Letter

Dear Colleagues in the Work of Caring

Dear Colleagues in the Work of Caring,

As the holiday season approaches, we extend warm greetings from the Nonprofit Institute (NPI). This is a time to lean intentionally into gratitude and joy, two gifts that lift us above our daily concerns and create space to breathe, reflect, and appreciate the good that is still present around us.

Within our nonprofit community, this season often brings a deeper commitment to service. Many of you are working to ensure families enjoy comforting meals and that children experience moments of wonder and joy. Even as we recognize that some in our community will continue to go without, we also recognize you as the colleagues who consistently hold the most vulnerable in your hearts and your work. Your dedication remains a quiet but powerful force for hope.

May your holiday season be safe and filled with joy. 

With gratitude,

 
Stephanie
Stephanie D. Rolle
Director, Nonprofit Institute at CSM

Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant

Announcements

Happy Holidays

The College of Southern Maryland will be closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 5 and will reopen Jan. 6.

Wellness Matters

Take Time Out for Wellness During the Holiday Season

While the holiday season is often wrapped in the promise of “comfort and joy,” we also know it can bring its own mix of stress—financial pressures, complicated family dynamics, tender moments of grief, and the push to meet year-end deadlines. If ever there were a time to prioritize employee well-being, it is now.

As you prepare for the celebrations ahead, consider thoughtful ways to uplift and support your team. Create spaces that invite genuine connection and meaningful engagement. You might partner with another nonprofit for a shared celebration, or spark some lighthearted fun with a gift exchange capped at just $5—an invitation for creativity to shine. And whatever traditions your workplace embraces, be sure your employees’ voices and ideas shape the way you celebrate.

Wishing you and your team a warm, joyful, and truly restorative holiday season!

READ MORE

"Maintaining Employee Wellness During the Holiday Season" - HR for Health

Professional Development And More…

New courses coming soon!

As you look for new ways to grow resources and strengthen the impact of your mission, it’s important to recognize that the philanthropy landscape is rapidly changing. Today, it’s not just about submitting RFPs—wealthy donors, corporate partners, and community investors are actively scanning the marketplace for nonprofits whose work aligns with their values. That means your organization’s visibility, storytelling, and digital presence matter more than ever before.

One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is right at your fingertips: social media. We’re now in an era where online engagement is no longer optional, it is essential. Nonprofits that embrace social media strategically are the ones capturing attention, inspiring donors, and sustaining their work for the long term.

To support you in this growing area, we’re launching an exciting new course at the start of 2026:

Master the Feed: A Social Media Playbook for Nonprofits

Redesigned, this course will equip your team with practical strategies, proven techniques, and creative insights to elevate your organization’s profile and expand your reach. If you’re serious about strengthening your visibility and meeting today’s philanthropic expectations, this is the course you can’t afford to miss. Space is limited—secure your spot today!

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.

 

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