Bridging Communities Conference 2026

The Bridging Communities Conference is sold out!

Bridging Communities Conference 2026
June 30 | Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD

'Building Stronger Partnerships Between Nonprofits and State Government'

Join Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman for the third annual Bridging Communities Conference, hosted by the Comptroller’s Office in partnership with Maryland Nonprofits and Coppin State University Nonprofit Leadership Program.

This unique event brings together nonprofit organizations and state government leaders to explore existing and new opportunities for partnership that can improve quality of life and advance equity in communities across Maryland.

This year’s conference will feature timely, practical sessions focused on navigating state funding, understanding compliance requirements, community development financing, and wealth-building resources and strategies.

Featured speakers include Comptroller Lierman, State Senators Antonio Hayes and Charles E. Sydnor III, and GoFundMe.org Executive Director Amanda Brown Lierman. See a full list of confirmed speakers here.

Date and Time
June 30, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location
J Millard Tawes Center
Coppin State University
2500 West North Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21216

*Please note there is currently construction on campus. Please park in Lots D, F or G and keep an eye out for wayfinding signs directing you from the lots to the Tawes Center. Some of the breakout sessions will also take place in the Talon Student Center and staff will be on hand to direct attendees.

You can find a map of the Coppin Campus here.

About the Conference

Bridging Communities is designed to help nonprofit leaders better understand how to work with state government, access available resources, and build stronger partnerships in service of Maryland communities.

Participants will hear directly from state leaders, connect with agency representatives, and leave with practical information they can use in their organizations right away.

The conference will include a keynote address from Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, remarks from State Senator Antonio Hayes, a plenary session on navigating turbulent times featuring leaders from the federal and state government and the private sector, and a series of breakout sessions tailored to the needs of nonprofit professionals.

What You’ll Learn
This year’s conference will include breakout sessions and tracks on:

Navigating State Funding: Learn more about funding opportunities, how to pursue them, and how to position your organization for success.
Navigating State Compliance Rules: Gain a better understanding of requirements, reporting expectations, and how to remain in good standing.
Community Development Resources: Explore financing tools, programs, and state resources that support community revitalization and development.
Wealth-Building Resources and Programs: Discover strategies and programs that help strengthen economic opportunity and long-term stability in communities.

Who Should Attend
This conference is designed for:

Nonprofit executive directors and staff
Community-based organizations
Program and development professionals
Foundation and philanthropic partners
Leaders interested in strengthening nonprofit-government partnerships

Why Attend
By attending Bridging Communities, you will have the opportunity to:

Learn directly from state government leaders and staff
Better understand how to access funding and resources
Strengthen your organization’s knowledge of compliance and state processes
Build relationships that can support your mission and your community

Agenda

Time	Session
8:00 - 9:00 AM	Check-in & Networking
9:00 - 9:30 AM	Welcome and Opening Remarks: Featuring Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, State Senator Antonio Hayes, Maryland Nonprofits Interim CEO & President,Carmen Marshall and President of Coppin State University, Dr. Anthony Jenkins
9:35 - 10:30 AM	Plenary Session: Nonprofit Management in Turbulent & Demanding Times
10:30 - 10:45 AM	Break & Transition
10:45 - 11:40 AM	Breakout Sessions Round 1
11:40 - 11:55 AM	Break & Transition
11:55 - 12:55 PM	Breakout Sessions Round 2 (same sessions will be repeated)
12:55 - 1:00 PM	Closing Remarks

Breakout-Session Topics:

Nonprofit Compliance in Maryland
Navigating State Funding Opportunities
Community Development Programs in Maryland
Wealth Building Programs in Maryland

*The same breakout sessions will be repeated in two time slots so you will have the opportunity to attend two of the topics above. Learn more about the breakout sessions and speakers here.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
Bridging Communities conference sponsorships offer simple and effective ways for your company to connect with your target audience. Learn more or sign up to be a sponsor here. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Group Discounts
Group discounts are available for groups of 3 or more registrants. Contact [email protected] for a discount code if you are registering a group.

Cancellation Policy:
If you are no longer able to attend the conference, please notify [email protected] as your advance cancellation notice may give someone else the opportunity to participate. If you email by June 16, 2025, you can receive a refund of 50% of the ticket price. No refund requests will be honored after that date.

If you're having trouble registering, call us at (410) 727-6367.
If you're registering more than one person, complete the registration fields below, and then click the Add Another Attendee button.

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PLEASE NOTE: We are offering group rates if you are purchasing 3+ tickets. If you would like the group rate, email [email protected] to get the discount code.

Ticket

Bridging Communities Conference ($75.00) [Sold Out]

ADA Accommodations

Some conference breakout sessions will be in a different building approximately 2-5 minute walking distance away. If you have a disability and require accommodation in order to fully participate in this event, please contact [email protected]. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least two weeks prior to the scheduled event.

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Disclosure

Limitation of Liability:
You agree to release and hold harmless Maryland Nonprofits from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or relating to your participation in this event. Use of Your Information: To find out how Maryland Nonprofits may use your information please read our Privacy Statement (www.marylandnonprofits.org/privacy-policy).
By submitting this registration form you agree to the terms and conditions. Your information may be received by conference exhibitors and sponsors as well as our affiliates and partners who we may share it with. They may contact you with information about the services they offer.  When an attendee interacts with sponsored content or virtual exhibitor booths, the attendee consents to Maryland Nonprofits sharing their name, title, company, phone number, and email address with the specific sponsor(s) with whom they interact. This data sharing provides sponsors the ability to follow up after the event.

Photographs/Video/Audio Recordings/Screenshots: Participants are reminded that material presented at Maryland Nonprofits conferences is the intellectual property of the presenter or Maryland Nonprofits. As a result, participants are prohibited from recording or live-streaming presentations in their entirety with the intent to distribute to others. The use of personal smartphones, cameras, or video devices should be limited to recording snapshots or snippets for personal use, such as taking snapshots throughout the conference venue.

By registering for the Bridging Communities Conference you give your permission to be recorded or photographed during the event. By participating in a Maryland Nonprofits conference, you grant Maryland Nonprofits, the Comptroller of Maryland, or anyone authorized by Maryland Nonprofits, the right to use or publish in print or electronic medium any photograph, video, or screenshot containing your image or likeness for educational, news, or promotional purposes without compensation.

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