Message from the Executive Director

I am truly excited to share the very first issue of Nonprofit News with you. The newsletter will include program information and updates, helpful tips, resources, opportunities for feedback and collaboration, and nonprofit spotlights highlighting the great work that you do. This month, we introduce the new website, send a last call for spring cohort applications, and share three things to watch out for in January.

Presents on the World Wide Web

Of course, we mean presence but in this season of giving and gratitude, why not stick with a holiday theme? Hopefully, we made you look!

The new website features:



• Grant listings & grant-writing tips
• Training programs
• A resource exchange
• Local nonprofit spotlights
• Frequently Asked Questions

And there is much more to come. We'll be adding new resources each month. If there is a specific type of resource you are looking for, just let us know.

Left to Right (Top to Bottom on mobile): Annapolis Immigration Justice Network staff receive direct mail feedback during a Fundraising and Sustainability cohort session; the future home of the Nonprofit Center; County Executive Pittman thanks Anne Arundel Women Giving Together for supporting nonprofits.

Spring Cohort Application Deadline Has Been Extended

Gear up in 2024 and join the Nonprofit Center for one of our two new professional development cohorts!

Strategic Planning: Start the year off on the right foot with a strategic plan for your organization. Participants will begin an environmental scan and leave with a work plan to complete the full process. This program is scheduled Wednesdays from 3-5pm with a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. In-person sessions will be held in Annapolis.

Grant Writing: Prepare for next fiscal year with an edge to your grant application process. Participants in this cohort will write several sections of a grant proposal (of their choice), access grant search tools, and identify opportunities for collaboration. This program will be held on Thursdays from 3-5pm with a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. In-person sessions will be held in Severn.

Applications for both cohorts are due Wednesday, December 13th. Space is limited, so apply today. If you have any questions, please email nonprofitcenter@aacounty.org. 

Year-End Giving

As we wrap up the year, have you thought about your year-end fundraising goals? It’s not too late to make a final push! Did you know that some nonprofits have raised as much as 31% of their online revenue in the month of December alone?

If you want to maximize your donor potential, make sure to have a user-friendly donor experience. The key to reaching younger generations lies in the mobile phone. Mobile-friendly websites attract more site traffic and have the potential to bring in more donations. Also, consider integrating Apple Pay and/or Google Pay as payment options. This can make the entire process much smoother!

“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.”

– Hank Rosso

A Sneak Peek for January

County Executive Pittman continues to support nonprofits through Anne Arundel County’s Community Support Grant Program. The application portal will open in early January. Last year, we awarded grants to 69 local organizations and anticipate having approximately $2 million to award this year. For more information and to check out previous recipients, click here.

Budget Town Halls are right around the corner. The County Executive will host these events in all seven districts. Dates and locations will be available soon. This is the time for individuals and organizations to advocate for resources and help shape the priorities of the new budget.

The Nonprofit Center and the Anne Arundel County Public Library are partnering to bring the Foundation Center's Grant Database to more areas of the county. Details will be announced in the January issue of Nonprofit News.

From all of us at the Nonprofit Center, we wish you, your family, and your team a warm and wonderful holiday season! Thank you for your participation and input the past six months. We look forward to planning more educational, collaborative and inspiring programs, events, and spaces in the year ahead.

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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