As we round out a tumultuous year for the nonprofit sector, it’s a good idea to take some time to review your technology. You’ve probably relied on your technology more than ever over the past several months.

Our growing reliance on the Internet means developing an online presence has quickly become a substantial part of an effective marketing strategy. Your nonprofit's website is the foundation of your organization’s entire online presence. While you may have social media accounts and external site referrals, all of this outreach stems from your website.

If you’ve had to recently reduce staff, 501 Commons is here to help you push through these tough times and — hopefully — emerge on the other side stronger than before. Let’s start a conversation about how we can “fill the gaps” in key areas that may be getting pushed to the back burner or given to staff who are already too busy.

Combatting racism requires knowledge about experiences, systems, policies, and social attitudes you may not be aware of. Take a look at this recommended reading list of anti-racism essays, books, podcasts, and videos that will educate you on the role you can play in cultivating a more equitable society.

For the past several months, many organizations have had to make difficult decisions regarding who should or shouldn’t return to their physical workspace.

Nonprofits deserve to have access to effective technology just like any other business. We’re recommending a few organizations that provide affordable and discounted deals on both software and hardware.

In addition to having your PPP loan converted into grants, there are other ways your organization can receive funding to wade through COVID-19 and our renewed awareness of racial injustice. Take a look at these grant opportunities with deadlines that are either coming up soon or are being offered on a rolling basis.

Reporting work hours have recently taken on new importance now that many nonprofit employees are working from home. The new overtime rules in Washington State also require all employees, including those who are salaried, to track their hours.

As our country deals with COVID-19, shutdowns, the economic downturn, and racial injustice, people are feeling energized to give back to their communities in any way they can. Sometimes this means working on tasks remotely. In other cases, volunteers can be engaged in-person with adequate provisions for social distancing, screening, and cleaning.

Lawmakers are making it easier to convert Payment Protect Program (PPP) loans into grants. Learn how this can be done and how 501 Commons can assist you in applying for loan forgiveness.

In the coming weeks, nonprofits in Washington and Oregon are going to be allowed to resume normal operations and return to the office. While federal, state, and local guidelines should be adhered to whenever possible, you need to establish protocols of your own and communicate these policies clearly to your staff, donors, clients, and volunteers.

As social distancing guidelines continue to affect our ability to gather in large groups, nonprofits are now considering the benefits of mobile fundraising campaigns instead.

Rest easier at night knowing your IT systems are stable and secure by signing up for services from 501 Commons’ Managed IT Services.

As we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdowns, please be alert to fraudulent unemployment claims being filed using your name or the names of your staff members.

Many organizations (sometimes spurred by board members) think they need to use an RFP to select a consultant. In cases of large government funded projects this may be the case.