September 2025 Nonprofit Institute Newsletter

September 2025 Newsletter

Fueling the Heart of Caring: Big News and Bold Moves This Fall

Dear Colleagues in the Work of Caring,

Welcome to autumn! As the air turns crisp and the colors transform around us, I’m reminded of how nature models intentionality and preparation. While some creatures retreat for rest, those of us committed to the work of caring know this season is an opportunity to lean in, reflect, and finish strong.

“Our work is more than a profession—it’s a calling. It’s not ‘hard’ work, it’s heart work.” – Author unknown

And that means as you pour into others, it’s equally important to pause, breathe deeply, and hold space for yourself. Because when you’re serving the most vulnerable among us, your well-being matters too.

Here at the Nonprofit Institute (NPI), the energy is electric! We’re moving boldly into action with Year One Strategic Initiatives taking shape, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it. Here’s what’s on the horizon…

Registration is Now Open: The Board Bootcamp
Designed with your feedback, this program is a game-changer for current and aspiring board leaders. If you serve, or aspire to serve, on a nonprofit board, this is your moment.
Register Now

Leadership Classes - CSM Continuing Education
Secure your seat for our leadership classes!

'Come Let’s Talk'
“Come Let’s Talk” is here and you don’t want to miss this!

Executive Exchange Pilot
Creating powerful partnerships with business leaders

Business Resource Hub
A game-changing platform for tools and support

Nonprofit Advisory Committee
Your voice in shaping the future

Human Resources Extended Course (2026)
For next-level organizational strength

Annual NPI Conference and Day of Service 2026
Mark your calendars - March 10 and April 23!

Next Up – A New Professional Development Class:Hiring the Perfect Fit

Studies show retention starts with the right hire. This fun, interactive course will help you zero in on key characteristics and ask the questions that reveal the best fit for your mission-driven team.

And finally, big congratulations to the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce for an incredible 11th Annual Women to Women (W2W) Regional Summit and for highlighting the Nonprofit Institute’s work, we thank you. Accelerating Success: Community, Connections, and Collaboration was a theme NPI can get behind and we look forward to partnering with you soon.

Friends, so much is brewing—and it’s all designed to support YOU and amplify the impact you make every single day. Together, let’s make this season one of growth, inspiration, and unstoppable momentum.

With gratitude and excitement,

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

Wellness Matters

A Wellness Strategy Can Transform Your Organization

Did you know 70% of companies now offer wellness programs?
Why are so many organizations investing in employee well-being—and what results are they seeing?
What if reducing stress—something 43% of employees struggle with—could dramatically boost engagement?
Could mental health support be the competitive edge your workplace needs?
What would a 21% increase in productivity mean for your bottom line?
And how can wellness programs go beyond fitness to include emotional and financial health?

Are you ready to discover how a strong wellness strategy can transform your organization?Employee Wellness Statistics by Physical Health and Facts (2025)

Announcements

'Come Let's Talk!'

Premiering This Fall – Oct. 7

We promised bold, fresh ways to learn and grow—and now we’re delivering! Introducing our very first TED Talk-style experience designed exclusively for nonprofit leaders like YOU.

Topic:
Leading A Nonprofit with A Strategic Mindset

The world is changing fast. The demand for services is skyrocketing—and so must our strategies. This isn’t about surviving. It’s about thriving, innovating, and leading with confidence into the future.

Here’s what we’re asking YOU to think about:

Are you building capacity for what’s next?
Do you have a plan to find new resources?
How will you collaborate differently?
Is it time to reimagine your staffing model?

This conversation is about preparing for the future of your organization. It’s about your NEXT. Don’t miss this first-of-its-kind event!

'Come Let's Talk!'
Oct. 7 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
College of Southern Maryland
La Plata Campus

Administration (AD Building)

Room 201
FREE and you must register because seats are limited—secure yours today!

YES, I’M IN! RESERVE MY SEAT NOW

Training, Classes, and Opportunities

In addition to our traditional courses, we offer to help you serve at your best, and there is much more available to you. We are thrilled to address the need you shared for excellence in board membership and participation.

Registration Is Now Open for the Board Bootcamp!

Designed with your feedback, this program is a game-changer for current and aspiring board members.

Thank you to all who provided your great ideas and communicated your specific needs. We heard you and are excited to deliver this “bootcamp” experience. If you serve, or aspire to serve, on a nonprofit board, this is your moment. Secure your seat today!

Oct. 4 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
College of Southern Maryland
Regional Hughesville Campus
Center for Trades and Energy Training
CT107 Conference Room
Secure your seat now for our leadership classes!

NPI Professional Development Courses and Leadership Classes are Open for Enrollment

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.

In September, We Are Back…

Executive Directors’ Network

Thursday, Sept. 25
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Meetings will be held on the fourth Thursday of every month (with the exception of holidays).
Meeting I.D.: 401 819 7023

Join the Zoom meeting

New Format:
The Nonprofit ALL Community Call

Now, all affinity specialty groups come together for an opening chat and/or presentation, then break out into the respective areas of interest (to include fundraising, marketing, and volunteer coordination) to share ideas with each other.

Tuesday, Sept. 16
Meetings will be held quarterly - be sure to place the following dates on your calendar:
Dec. 16 / March 17 / June 16 / Sept. 15 / Dec. 15
10 – 11 a.m.
Meeting I.D.: 401 819 7023

Join the Zoom meeting

Faith-Based Affinity Group

Wednesday, Nov. 19
12 p.m.
In-person
Location TBD

LEARN MORE ABOUT AFFINITY GROUPS

Grant Opportunity

FY26 Electrifying Community Buildings Grant Program

Eligible Applicants: Community-Serving Buildings
Type of Grant Program: Statewide Competitive
Application Deadline: 5 p.m. EST - Wednesday, Dec. 31
Anticipated Funding: A total of $6,855,822 is anticipated to be available through FY26. The amount awarded may be more or less, depending on the quantity and quality of applications received.

Apply Now

For additional information or assistance, please visit the
FY26 Electrifying Community Buildings Program

Or contact: Megan Lackay, Electrifying Community Buildings Program Manager, building.decarbonization@maryland.gov

Community Events

RiverFest 2025 showing aquatic life underwater in graphics

Join the St. Mary's River Watershed Association for the 18th Annual RiverFest – A Celebration of the St. Mary's River!

Sept. 27 | 10 a.m. – 3 pm.
Historic St. Mary's City

At RiverFest, the entire community is invited to celebrate, explore, and protect the St. Mary's River with live animals, kayaking, face painting, balloon animals, music, and more! Thanks to generous sponsors, donors, volunteers, and members, all of the entertainment and activities at RiverFest are completely free!

LEARN MORE

Nonprofit Spotlight

Would you like your nonprofit featured in an upcoming spotlight?

Submit your Request

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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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