The Nonprofit Center’s Sustainability Studio was created as part of Anne Arundel County’s commitment to help small nonprofit organizations build their capacity to have a greater impact in the communities they serve.
Description of Program
The Nonprofit Center is excited to launch the Sustainability Studio, a 9-month program running from October 2026 through June 2027 designed to help small Anne Arundel County nonprofits build long-term operational and financial strength.
This structured cohort will guide nonprofit leaders through the creation of a tailored sustainability plan, which includes a board engagement action plan, provide professional coaching on key operational needs, and the necessary steps to earn Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. The Studio provides nonprofit organizations with peer learning opportunities, practical tools, and direct one-to-one coaching.
Through a competitive application process, Five organizations will be selected to be part of this inaugural program. Participants also have access to the workspaces and amenities available at the Nonprofit Center’s location in Crownsville, MD. In addition to targeted training and peer collaboration, participating organizations receive full access to all Nonprofit Center amenities and resources for a full year. This includes a dedicated one or two-desk workspace at the NPC building located at 41 Community Place in Crownsville, MD. Selection also includes complimentary registration for both the upcoming Grants Application Training Series in-person workshop event and the NPC Annual Conference.
- Access to all Nonprofit Center resources and programs for 12 months
- 9-month structured curriculum provides ample time to apply and build upon content
- Professional coaching around areas of specific need
- One 1- or 2-desk workspace at 41 Community Place for 12 months
- One free registration to the Grants Application Training Series in-person workshop and NPC Annual Conference
- Steps to secure Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency
- New professional relationships and collaborative opportunities
- October 16, 2026: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit
- November 13, 2026: Mission, Impact, and the Case for Support
- December 11, 2026: Boards, Leadership, and a Culture of Philanthropy
- January 8, 2027: Financial Health and Revenue Strategy
- February 12, 2027: Grant Readiness and Grant Strategy
- March 12, 2027: Building an Annual Giving Program
- April 9, 2027: Donor Engagement Across Generations
- May 14, 2027: Donor Relationships, Major Gifts, and Stewardship
- June 11, 2027: Putting It All Together
For FY2027, the Nonprofit Center is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria:
- 501(c)(3) designation for at least one year
- In good standing with the State of Maryland
- Have an annual operating budget less than $500K
Organizations will be prioritized if:
- At least 70% of service recipients reside in Anne Arundel County
- They provide services to underserved populations and/or focus on one or more social determinants of health.
These in-person sessions will be held each month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Nonprofit Center. The dates for FY2027 are:
- October 16, 2026
- November 13, 2026
- December 11, 2026
- January 8, 2027
- February 12, 2027
- March 12, 2027
- April 9, 2027
- May 14, 2027
- June 11, 2027
To receive the most benefit from this program, organizations are expected to:
- Provide one staff member with time to attend all learning sessions
- Attend at least 75% of sessions (7 of 9)
- Work onsite at least one day per week
- Utilize Nonprofit Learning Lab membership
- Prepare for and complete 1:1 coaching sessions (in-person or online)
- Take advantage of staff drop in office hours
- Attend other NPC-sponsored training and events
- Submit a sustainability plan by the end of 12 months
- Agree to complete evaluations immediately following and one year after the cohort ends
$350 -- For nonprofits with a budget less than $100K
$750 -- For nonprofits with budgets between $100K and $500K
Payment to participate will be due after the acceptance letter is signed. Financial assistance may be available.
Additional activities include an end-of-month online check-in with the consultant.
Application Window: Opens August 17, 2026 | Deadline to Apply: September 7, 2026