Maryland Nonprofits

What Maryland Nonprofits does

Maryland Nonprofits is a 501(c) nonprofit membership association founded in 1992 (originally as the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations, MANO) that supports nonprofit organizations across Maryland and, through its Standards for Excellence Institute, across the United States. The organization's core technology is the Standards for Excellence framework, a comprehensive nonprofit governance, ethics, and management code that underpins free self-assessment tools, a national Seal of Excellence accreditation program, and a Licensed Consultant credentialing network of 357 consultants and 15 replication partners. Its product portfolio also includes a Nonprofit Helpline, peer-led learning groups (CFO Roundtable, Executive Director Roundtables, IT Member Group), consulting and back-office services (grant writing, HR, fund development), a Career Center job board, a Service Provider Directory, an advocacy Policy Hub, and event programming anchored by an annual conference.

The business model combines subscription membership dues, tiered by nonprofit budget size from $220 to $6,600, with one-time accreditation application fees ($250-$14,000), recurring accreditation licensing fees, event registrations, fee-based consulting and back-office services, and a group buying program that leverages collective purchasing power. Three integrated partner programs — Standards for Excellence Institute, Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU), and MARFY — operate as wholly-owned program verticals inside Maryland Nonprofits, each with its own membership tiers, advocacy agenda, and sponsor relationships. The membership base exceeds 1,800 organizations and a weekly newsletter reaches 3,000+ subscribers. Distribution is multi-channel: direct website and phone sales, dedicated helpline support, regional events, replication partner channels, and bilingual community programming via MLU. The organization is governed independently as a nonprofit, with no parent company or external investor ownership disclosed.

Name

Maryland Nonprofits

Legal name

Maryland Nonprofits

Website

https://marylandnonprofits.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Maryland Nonprofits is a Maryland-based 501(c) nonprofit membership association founded in 1992 that provides governance, training, accreditation, consulting, and advocacy services to over 1,800 nonprofit organizations, anchored by its national Standards for Excellence Institute and Licensed Consultant network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Sector Support Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (813920), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Education Policy, Research & Advocacy Organizations (Nonprofit) (BPAGADAN)

Keywords

• Nonprofit membership association
• Nonprofit consulting services
• Capacity building training
• Governance accreditation program
• Policy advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Nonprofit Membership Dues: Annual membership dues based on organization budget size. Tiers range from $220 (under $25K budget) to $6,600 (over $16M budget). Provides access to resources, training, discounts, and advocacy representation.
2. Associate Membership Dues: For businesses, consultants, and government agencies wanting to connect with nonprofit sector. Annual dues vary by type.
3. Accreditation and Recognition Fees: Application and licensing fees for Standards for Excellence accreditation and recognition programs. Fees scale with organization budget (e.g., $250-$500 for smallest orgs, $7,000-$14,000 for largest).
4. Event Registration: Fees for conferences, training sessions, workshops, and roundtables including Maryland Nonprofits Annual Conference, Bridging Communities Conference, CFO Roundtable, Executive Director Roundtables.
5. Consulting and Back Office Services: Grant writing, fund development, human resources, and consulting services provided through expert consultants.
6. Group Buying Program: Collective purchasing power of members secures substantial discounts on essential goods, services, and supplies.
7. Training and Capacity Building: Year-round training opportunities including Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant training (intensive 3-day program).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Maryland Nonprofits is a membership-based nonprofit association that provides capacity-building, training, consulting, accreditation, and advocacy services to nonprofit organizations across Maryland and the broader U.S. Its core offerings include tiered membership programs, the Standards for Excellence Institute governance framework and accreditation program, the Nonprofit Helpline for expert guidance, consulting and back-office services, peer-led learning groups, conferences, and a career center. Integrated partner programs (Maryland Latinos Unidos and MARFY) extend its reach to Latino communities and youth/family-serving organizations.

Product overview

Maryland Nonprofits is a membership-based association offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and services designed to support nonprofits at every stage of their journey. The core offerings include the Standards for Excellence Institute (providing governance benchmarks, self-assessments, and accreditation), the Nonprofit Helpline (expert guidance on operations), Learning and Events (training and professional development including Peer-Led Learning groups), Consulting & Legal Services, and Back Office Services (grant writing, HR support). Additional services include a Career Center, Service Provider Directory, Policy Hub for advocacy, and Research and Publications. The organization operates three Integrated Partners: Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU) serving Latino communities, MARFY serving youth and family organizations, and the Standards for Excellence Institute itself. Membership benefits include group buying programs, discounts on training, and access to exclusive resources and templates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Standards for Excellence Institute A program housed within Maryland Nonprofits that provides a comprehensive framework for nonprofit governance, management, and operations based on the Standards for Excellence code, offering self-assessments, accreditation (Seal of Excellence), recognition, and licensed consultant services to nonprofit organizations nationwide.
• Nonprofit Membership Annual membership program for nonprofit organizations, providing access to resources, training, discounts, advocacy representation, group buying programs, and community of 1,800+ member organizations. Tiered pricing based on organizational budget.
• Associate Membership Membership for businesses, consultants, and government agencies that want to connect with the Maryland nonprofit sector. Includes listing in the Service Provider Directory and access to networking opportunities.
• Nonprofit Helpline Expert guidance service providing advice on governance, compliance, fundraising, human resources, financial management, and other nonprofit challenges via email at [email protected] or phone at (410) 727-6367.
• Consulting & Legal Services Expert consultant services providing mission-driven solutions in governance, planning, fundraising, and more, delivered through vetted consultants.
• Back Office Services Affordable support services including grant writing, fund development, human resources, and other administrative functions for nonprofit organizations.
• Learning and Events Training programs including on-demand learning, learning library, and year-round training opportunities to build nonprofit capacity, including peer-led learning groups and annual conferences.
• Peer-Led Learning Groups Member-only virtual peer-led sessions for nonprofit professionals including CFO Roundtables, Executive Director Roundtables, and IT Member Groups.
• Nonprofit Career Center Job board and career resources connecting nonprofit professionals with employment opportunities across Maryland.
• Service Provider Directory Directory of vetted Associate Members providing products and services to nonprofits in areas such as accounting, marketing, and IT.
• Starting a Nonprofit Assistance Expert consultant support and self-service tools to guide organizations through the nonprofit formation process.
• Nonprofit Development Center Free membership program for Maryland nonprofits with 501(c)(3), (4), or (6) status, under 10 years old, with budgets under $750,000.
• Policy Hub Advocacy platform representing nonprofit interests in public policy discussions, conducting sector research on nonprofit management and economic impact.

Quantifiable outcome

• 15 state, regional, and national replication partners for Standards for Excellence
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Standards for Excellence InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Standards for Excellence Institute is housed within Maryland Nonprofits and serves nonprofits throughout the nation. The Institute is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of ethics and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, and operations.
• Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLU is an integrated partner of Maryland Nonprofits - a statewide network of organizations, businesses, and individuals dedicated to supporting Latino and immigrant communities. MLU amplifies voices, addresses disparities, and strengthens grassroots organizations.
• Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth (MARFY)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMARFY is an integrated partner of Maryland Nonprofits - a program connecting organizations, advocates, and child welfare leaders to improve systems for Maryland's youth and families.
• Standards for Excellence Replication PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor15 state, regional, and national partner organizations licensed and trained to use the Institute's program materials and resources to support other nonprofits in specific geographic or mission areas.
• Standards for Excellence Licensed ConsultantscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner357 Licensed Consultants and 50 volunteers with professional experience in nonprofit governance and administration. These consultants provide organizational assessments, consulting, training, and assistance with accreditation applications nationwide.
• Latina Health Equity AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLU is a member of the Latina Health Equity Alliance (lheamd.org), collaborating on health equity initiatives.
• Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMARFY partners with CWLA to advance collective advocacy for child welfare policies.
• National Organization of State Association of Child Welfare (NOSAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMARFY collaborates with NOSAC on national child welfare advocacy initiatives.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Council of Nonprofits: The national umbrella network for state and regional nonprofit associations, operating an almost identical membership association model with advocacy, capacity-building, and member services. Most directly comparable peer as a peer-of-peers organization to Maryland Nonprofits.
• BoardSource: National nonprofit focused on nonprofit governance best practices, leadership, and board effectiveness. Directly comparable to Standards for Excellence Institute's governance focus, with similar accreditation and resource models for nonprofit boards.
• CompassPoint Nonprofit Services: Provides capacity-building consulting, training, and leadership development for nonprofits. Comparable in offering expert consulting, training programs, and peer learning for nonprofit executives, with similar mid-market focus.
• Nonprofit Finance Fund: Provides financing, consulting, and advocacy to strengthen nonprofits, particularly around financial management and capital access. Comparable in offering capacity-building services, peer learning, and sector research for nonprofit financial leaders.

Broad incumbents

• Independent Sector: National membership organization for nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs. Offers overlapping advocacy, research, and member benefits at the national level, serving as the broader incumbent in the same sector.
• Candid (formerly Foundation Center + GuideStar): National nonprofit data, research, and transparency organization providing nonprofit information, Seal of Transparency, and learning resources. Overlaps with Maryland Nonprofits' research, advocacy, and accreditation functions at a much larger scale.

Others

• TechSoup Global: Provides technology products, services, and resources to nonprofits. Adjacent to Maryland Nonprofits' group buying program and member benefits, supporting nonprofit operations through discounted technology access.
• VolunteerMatch: National nonprofit connecting volunteers with nonprofit opportunities. Adjacent ecosystem participant supporting nonprofit workforce development, comparable to Maryland Nonprofits' Career Center job board.

Regional players

• Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Group: Insurance provider for nonprofits, offering specialized coverage to member organizations. Similar membership-based model serving nonprofit sector needs, with regional focus on West Coast operations but national member reach.
• MAP for Nonprofits: Minnesota-based nonprofit association providing capacity-building, consulting, and training to Minnesota nonprofits. Same membership association model as Maryland Nonprofits but focused on a different state geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mdnonprofits
• Facebookfacebook.com/MarylandNonprofits
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/maryland-association-of-nonprofit-organizations
• Instagraminstagram.com/mdnonprofits

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Maryland Nonprofits