Message from the Executive Director

What's better than a solar eclipse? How about all the amazing volunteers who make the world go 'round? Whether it's volunteer appreciation day, week, or month (I've seen all three), let's be generous with our thanks. Also in this issue, you'll find conference and event hub updates, free and reduced-fee services for nonprofits, Key Bridge info, and announcements that could affect you. We're also seeking your opinion. Please scroll to the bottom and respond with a simple click.

Light up the Room: Thank You(r) Volunteers

From stuffing envelopes to cleaning cages to coordinating impressive events, nonprofits often depend on the hard work of volunteers to advance their missions. Is this true for you?

Let's celebrate all volunteers! April 20th is Volunteer Recognition Day and April 21st-27th is Volunteer Appreciation Week. Consider a social media shout-out, a short thank you video, or a hand-written card to let your volunteers know how much you appreciate them.

Is one of your volunteers celebrating a really big milestone some time this year, such as volunteering 1000 hours this year alone or volunteering 10 years at your organization? Consider requesting a County Executive Citation for that special recognition. Requests must be made three weeks in advance, but you can request one any time of the year.

And, if you’re looking for more volunteers, remember you can post events and request volunteer help on the Nonprofit Events Hub!

Don't be Left in the Dark: AACPS x Nonprofit Events Hub

An apple a day keeps the…principal away??? Have you seen the Nonprofit Events Hub’s newest feature? Organizations that have their events approved for AACPS service-learning-hours will have their submissions marked by a bright red apple. These events are open to students and their families and qualify for service hours. If you’re interested in becoming an AACPS-approved partner, please email ldfowler@aacps.org for a complete list of guidelines!

We hope you've heard about our first annual conference by now. The Nonprofit Center team is thrilled to partner with the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County to host "Say What Matters" and to help you discover the best ways to tell funders, donors, and volunteers why your work matters. Click HERE or the graphic above to see the full schedule, read the details, and register. Space is limited to 90 seats, so register soon!

New Resources Posted: Free & Reduced-Fee Services for Nonprofits

Did you know that a lot of companies offer their services for free - or at a reduced cost - to 501(c)(3) nonprofits? From Canva to Microsoft, Google to GiveButter, there are many opportunities for your organization to save money, and the verification processes are usually very simple. TechSoup maintains lists of software, hardware, and service discounts. Just be sure to read the details to get the best deals. Check out the list (and other resources) HERE.

We'll continue to add resources as we find them, but we could use your help. If you have found a resource that has truly saved you time or money, or has helped you acheive your goals more effectively, please considering sharing it with your nonprofit colleagues by submitting it the NPC.

“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.”

– Joseph Addison

Key Bridge Collapse: Resources

Anne Arundel County's Office of Emergency Management has compiled a list of available resources for residents affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Maryland Nonprofits held a briefing last Thursday to discuss the collective participation of government, nonprofit, and community leaders in responding to the disaster. They've released a call-to-action to include nonprofits as essential in the PORT Act and are asking nonprofits to share resources to assist those impacted.

Other Nonprofit News and Announcements

☆ Congratulations to the 10 Anne Arundel County organizations selected as finalists in the United Way of Central Maryland's Changemaker Challenge. The program's goal is to support social innovation to address challenges facing our communities. Each finalist will receive a $1,500 stipend and coaching. Winners will be selected after making their pitch in front of a livestreamed audience. Good luck!

☆ A recent glitch from the IRS may have mixed up your data on GuideStar. Some 2022 990 forms were erroneously marked as 2021 forms and may appear incorrect on GuideStar. If you have claimed your GuideStar profile, check your 990 information to ensure it’s accurate and up-to-date! Any corrections can be submitted to https://candid.org/contact-us.

☆ The National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) this week reported two important changes from the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Uniform Guidance for federal grants. The updated guidelines provide higher reimbursement rates for indirect costs, simplify funding notices, and promote equity by enabling greater access to organizations that may have been previously ineligible to apply. Read the summaries in yesterday's issue of NCN's Nonprofit Champion. Also notable is OMB's policy change regarding the collection of race and ethnicity data on federal forms.

☆ The NCN has started a recurring feature in their Nonprofit Essentials newsletter that focuses on how nonprofits can, while remaining nonpartisan, ensure equitable and sustainable voter participation in the communities they serve. If this is of interest to you, sign up for the newsletter here.

☆ Thirty nonprofit organizations have taken advantage of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County's (CFAAC) Nonprofit Endowment Special Offer in celebration of CFAAC's 25th anniversary. You still have time to explore this option to earn funds in perpetuity, but the offer ends April 30th. And thank you to CFAAC for 25 years of supporting nonprofits and the communities they serve!

☆ REMINDER: Are you doing something exceptional? We want to hear about it! Every week we spotlight a nonprofit on our website and link to it in the CECS newsletter. If you want to be featured, email exmorg20@aacounty.org. Send us your pictures, your success stories, your event recaps, and anything else that highlights the good work you’re doing in the community!

Poll: Would you Follow us on Facebook for Event & Grant Info?

The Nonprofit Center is a program of Anne Arundel County government. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Each NPC-sponsored event includes information about how to request an ADA Accommodation.

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