Could you benefit from six months of volunteer service by an executive?
Join the Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Nonprofit Connection!
Each year, LSM partners with local nonprofits to provide Executive Program participants a capstone service experience that comprises 25 hours of volunteer service. They can help strengthen your organization for sustainability and increased impact, but they can also help stock your shelves and perform other service delivery tasks. Participants serve organizations between October 1 and March 31 to gain a deeper understanding of community needs in our region and to join nonprofits’ efforts to “be the change.” The application deadline is Friday, July 31.
“Jeanine’s work gave AROO a practical strategic roadmap for the future, … supporting AROO’s transition from immediate project needs toward long-term sustainability and growth.”
“Marchesa served Pure Play Every Day as the Chair of our STEAM Room Committee. Her leadership and expertise were the reason that our Catalyst event was successful.”
Examples of LSM Nonprofit Connection Volunteer Assignments:
- Developing a fundraising plan for the organization
- Participating in strategic planning
- Developing systems or structures for gaps the organization identifies
- Setting up and staffing exhibits and play areas at county fairs and other events
- Assisting with garden and grounds maintenance
- Temporary Board/steering committee service
How Your Nonprofit Benefits:
- You gain extremely valuable executive expertise (estimated value = $150-$300/hr) and added capacity to fulfill your mission.
- You make progress on or complete important projects you’ve had to “back-burner.”
- You may acquire new volunteers and board members — continuing with you after their program ends.
Priority Service Areas:
The Executive Program Class of 2027 has expressed special interest in seven service areas for their capstone experience. LSM will give priority to organizations that can provide meaningful volunteer experiences in these areas:
- Housing, Growth, Infrastructure, and Cost of Living
- Workforce, Talent, and Career Pathways
- Access to Health and Human Services
- Opportunity Equity for Youth and Families
- Regional Economic Diversification and Resilience
- Nonprofit Collaboration and Community Resource Navigation
- Environmental Sustainability
What Your Organization Must Commit to:
- Providing a well-defined, specific volunteer opportunity that requires 25 hours of service. This can be a distinct, time-bound project (e.g., with a deliverable) or participation in your organization’s regular volunteer activities.
- Maintaining reliable communication with your volunteer(s) to answer questions and otherwise support their service efforts. Participants will ask to interview you and members of your team to learn about the mission and needs of your organization and the needs of the populations and entities you serve.
- Submitting a Confirmation of Service Completion form to LSM no later than April 30th to verify the volunteer’s service hours and document their impact on your organization.
- Completing a Post-Program Evaluation Survey at the end of the service project and no later than May 31, 2027.
“Chris was asked to put together a digital literacy class to help us fufill grant requirements. He enthusiastically took it on and arranged every aspect of the class, even enlisting other volunteers to help. The class was a huge success, and we are so thankful for his commitment.”
We Encourage You to Attend …
- The LSM Nonprofit Connection Fair on Tuesday, September 15, during the Executive Program Orientation at the The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674). Experience has shown that face-to-face interaction with Executive Program participants increases the likelhood that they will select your organization.
- Executive Program Class of 2027 Capstone Presentations on Thursday, May 13, during the Executive Program Closing Retreat (time and location TBA).
Complete the application by August 7th to let us know about projects or activities you have between October and March that could use support from community-oriented executives.
Please note: The LSM Nonprofit Connection is a competitive process. Selection notifications will occur by August 31, 2026.