La Plata, Md., April 22, 2025 — Nonprofit professionals from Southern Maryland convened on April 10 at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) for the 15th annual Nonprofit Institute Conference, held at the La Plata Campus. The event, led by new director Stephanie Rolle, focused on equipping attendees with tools and strategies to enhance their organizations’ missions and community impact.
The conference featured breakout sessions, panel discussions, and wellness initiatives, drawing participants from across the region. CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson opened the event, emphasizing the vital role of nonprofits in fostering community ties. “All of you are doing such meaningful and deeply impactful work and I continue to stand in awe and honor you – especially on this day – created just for you,” Wilson said. She highlighted strengthened partnerships and new opportunities driving change in Southern Maryland. “In this last year, I have witnessed so many of our partnerships getting stronger, leaning into new possibilities, and achieving results that are changing lives in Southern Maryland,” she added.
Rolle shared insights from seven listening sessions held with stakeholders last fall, which shaped the institute’s strategic plan. “We’ve heard you and have crafted a plan that embraces your ideas to maintain the momentum from past successes, provide access to new pathways of possibilities, and increase mobility with new services, new ways to collaborate, elevated awareness, and educational opportunities,” she said. The plan aims to sustain growth and expand services, aligning with the needs of local nonprofits.
Breakout sessions covered critical topics for nonprofit success. The first, “AI for Nonprofits,” led by Dominic Fragman and Sybol Anderson of Leadership Southern Maryland, explored how artificial intelligence can streamline operations and enhance outreach. The second session, “Connecting with the For-Profit Business Sector,” featured Darin Nielsen of ACE Consulting Group, who discussed building partnerships with businesses to support nonprofit goals. A panel discussion, “Meet the Funders,” included representatives from the Maryland Philanthropy Network, Charles County Charitable Trust, Rural Maryland Council, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, offering insights on securing funding.
Maria McDonald, executive director of the Greenwell Foundation in Hollywood, served on the panel and urged attendees to leave inspired. “Enriched, engaged, experienced is how we must leave today’s conference. Let’s get to it,” she said. Wilson echoed this call to action, challenging participants to create accessible services and sustain momentum. “As you move through this day, I challenge you to think about how you will put your ideations in motion and how you can do so by creating access to your services for all; by building the scaffolding that sustains the momentum of your services – because in doing so, you will foster mobility for your organization, mobility for your partnerships, and mobility for those who we are all privileged to serve,” she said.
New wellness components marked this year’s conference, including a quiet room for breathing exercises and a wellness encounter offering blood pressure and glucose checks. These additions addressed the holistic needs of nonprofit professionals, fostering resilience in their demanding roles.
Exhibitors and additional presentations rounded out the event, providing networking opportunities and resources. The Nonprofit Institute, established to support Southern Maryland’s nonprofit sector, continues to expand under Rolle’s leadership. Last year, Wilson underscored her commitment to community service, stating, “At last year’s conference, I shared with the attendees – many of whom I see in the room again this year – my strong commitment to leadership and community service to others because I truly believe that volunteering creates opportunities for collaboration and networking, skill-building, leadership development, and establishing important social bonds and support systems.”
The conference reflects CSM’s broader mission to serve as a hub for education and community development. Since its inception, the Nonprofit Institute has offered training, consulting, and networking to strengthen local organizations. For more information, visit www.csmd.edu/nonprofit.
Southern Maryland’s nonprofit sector employs thousands and addresses critical needs, from healthcare to education. Events like the Nonprofit Institute Conference bolster these organizations, ensuring they thrive in an evolving landscape. As Rolle’s strategic plan unfolds, the institute is poised to drive further innovation and collaboration, amplifying the region’s community impact.
