OUR NONPROFIT COMMUNITY Nonprofit organizations are the heart and soul of a community Charles County is home to over 780 nonprofit organizations that strengthen the fabric of our Southern Maryland community by providing critical services, fostering civic engagement, and contributing to the local economy. Nonprofits fill the gaps Our nonprofit partners help meet our society’s needs by assisting the most vulnerable members of our community regardless of age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. “Maryland Nonprofits by the Numbers,” a study conducted in 2021, indicates that 80% of the registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Charles County make a substantial impact in the healthcare and social assistance fields. According to the 2018 Charles County Nonprofit Economic and Social Impact Study, among the top critical needs facing residents of the county include access to affordable housing and healthcare, substance abuse support services, and assistance for the area’s homeless population. Nonprofits are well-poised to fill the demand for these services, with the ongoing support of community residents and commitment of our corporate partners.
services channeled through nonprofits, the existence of myriad charitable organizations also helps attract the establishment of new businesses to the area, showcasing the area’s values such as commitment to health and wellness, and education of its citizens. Nonprofits also create opportunities for employment. “Maryland Nonprofits by the Numbers” tells us that Charles County’s nonprofit organizations have supported more than 2,500 local jobs. Everyone in our community is touched in some way by a nonprofit’s work and our county’s quality of life is richer because of this vital sector. To learn more about the nonprofit community in Charles County, please contact the Nonprofit Institute at CSM at nonprofit@csmd.edu, 301934-7544, or www.csmd.edu/NonprofitInstitute
Nonprofits are varied in mission and scope. In addition to human services, many of the charitable organizations in Charles County support the arts and humanities, and provide educational programs created to enlighten and inspire our citizens about the deep history and unique culture of our region. Nonprofits foster civic engagement County residents contribute greatly to the success of our local nonprofit missions by volunteering their time and sharing their knowledge and expertise. Volunteering creates opportunities for collaboration and networking, skill-building and leadership development, and establishing important social bonds. Many corporate and individual partners contribute to the governance and operations of these vital organizations by serving on a board of directors, assisting with special events, and lending their personal time and talent to fulfill the needs of the nonprofit. Nonprofits help economic health While some nonprofits are small and are run solely by volunteers, many offer employment opportunities and generate millions of dollars in economic activity. As of 2019, the 784 nonprofits in Charles County generated over $7.1 million in revenue as identified by the 2021 Maryland Nonprofits study. In addition to the movement of goods and
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2022-2023 Business Directory & Community Guide