The 2019 Maryland Nonprofits Annual Conference was held on October 3 and 4, 2019. 

In order to achieve our respective missions, we need to work closely with expansive networks of people. All of us – the funders, the program managers, the finance directors, the consultants, the chief executives, the board members – with our different responsibilities and to-do lists, have an obligation to the communities we serve. At #MANOAC19, our theme Inspire, Unite, Act!,encouraged us to share soultions, capitalize on our individual and collective strengths, and look toward emerging issues. We were challenged to use our collective power to stay motivated while finding cutting-edge solutions to scale up our impact.

PENELOPE BURK, Founder of Cygnus Applied Research and Author of Donor-Centered Fundraising 

Day 1 of #MANOAC19 kicked off with a keynote from Penelope Burk, a fundraising expert whose work focuses on understanding donors and what they want. She has reached back into donors’ lives to find out about the first time they gave, what motivates their philanthropy now, what their greatest and most frustrating experiences in giving are, and what their dreams are for their philanthropic future. Penelope’s keynote was filled with not only research-based best practices, but fun anecdotes that captivated the audience and encouraged us all to think about how we can engage those who are committed to the missions of our organizations. 

LISA BROWN ALEXANDER, SPHR, Founder and CEO of Nonprofit HR

The second day of #MANOAC19 started off with a keynote from Lisa Brown Alexander, SPHR, a Human Resources expert and the Founder and CEO of Nonprofit HR. Lisa’s work is founded on the belief that “if an organization can strengthen its internal talent capacity, it can better serve the community and those in need.” She showed us how workplace culture can attract talent, drive employee engagement, and improve individual satisfaction – all of which lead to greater organizational impact. Lisa delivered constructive next steps to elevate our impact through investing in the talent our organizations already contain.

#MANOAC19 Sessions

Between all the fun of networking with fellow nonprofit professionals, meeting nonprofit service providers, and even a karaoke break, attendees had countless opportunities to learn from experts in a myriad of different topics. We were lucky to have over sixty presenters join us to lead over 50 panels and breakout sessions on 10 topic areas over the course of the two days. 

With the 2020 Census at the forefront of many nonprofit minds, we were excited to be joined by employees of the U.S. Census Bureau to discuss how and why participation is integral to ensuring a full and accurate 2020 Census. We also hosted sessions on the ethics of artificial intelligence, preventing conflicts of interest at your organization, effectively engaging foster care youth, understanding the ethical implications of cultural sensitivity to marginalized populations – and more. Many thanks again to those who took time out of their schedule to contribute to a more knowledgeable nonprofit sector! 

#MANOAC19 Sponsors and Exhibitors

Our Annual Conference could not happen without the help of our generous sponsors and exhibitors. This year, we sold out of exhibitor tables – an indicator of the private sector’s dedication to Maryland’s nonprofit community. On day two, we also enjoyed the company of a dozen nonprofit exhibitors. 

We can’t thank our sponsors and exhibitors enough for helping us put on this event! 

 

Looking to get involved with the nonprofit community in Maryland?

Come to one of our upcoming events!