Put "Professional Development" on Your 2021 To-Do List

As we head into a new year, executive directors and supervisors should put continuing education for their employees high on their 2021 “to-do” list.
What to Consider When Taking Your Nonprofit Events Online: A Crash Course

If your nonprofit's own event strategies have been slow to catch up with the challenges presented by the pandemic, it's definitely time to become proactive in adjusting your event planning both during COVID and beyond.
Best Practices for Managing Remote Teams

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced nonprofits of all kinds to shift to remote working arrangements. Many are still struggling with the transition. But since the pandemic is still confining workers to their homes for the foreseeable future, it’s worth looking at tips that can improve remote work management.
3 Ways to Make Your Nonprofit’s Website More Accessible

With 2020 quickly coming to a close, it’s time to take stock of what has and hasn’t worked to help your nonprofit navigate all the challenges we’ve faced this year. As you review both successful strategies and opportunities for improvement, there’s probably a recurring factor across both categories: your website.
Washington Gives: A New Year-Round Fundraising Platform

We are proud to announce the launch of Washington Gives, a year-round fundraising platform. We are making the GiveBIG fundraising platform available year-round to benefit organizations that do not have a website payment portal and to give all organizations year-round access to peer-to-peer fundraising.
Springboard Helps Arts Organizations Become Champions of their Artists
Being an artist isn't easy. Leading an arts organization also isn't easy. But the ambitious nonprofit arts organizations that graduated from our 2014 Springboard cohort program, now have successful plans in place to better serve their missions.
Service Corps Earns National Recognition
501 Commons' Executive Service Corps program was selected as a Featured Finalist for the America's Service Commissions (ASC) Innovation and Leadership Awards. Nearly 500 people in Washington State volunteer their time and talents to nonprofit through the Executive Service Corps, which was founded in 1989. Because of their generosity, 501 Commons can provide affordable management consulting services and programs to nonprofits.
How to Tell a Compelling Story in the Digital Age
Take a few minutes to learn from Nancy Xu's Slideshare about how you can tell a compelling story using visuals, a strong narrative structure, and good old-fashioned content. And sign up for our newsletter and twitter feeds to learn about upcoming 501 Talks Tech sessions!
Salesforce Update Available
The Salesforce Foundation recently announced the release of a major update to the Nonprofit Starter Pack. Here's what you need to know about the new release and why you should consider upgrading.
Pierce County: Tell Us What You Want, What You Really, Really Want
The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation has asked 501 Commons to develop opportunities for nonprofit leaders in Pierce County. We are conducting a survey to gather information about what leaders want.
What kind of trainings or peer gatherings would you like to see?
Guest Blog: State Unemployment Insurance Needn’t Overtax Nonprofits
Jenn Smith of the Unemployment Services Trust (UST) explains why, regardless of your own nonprofit’s unemployment history, your organization could be overpaying in unemployment costs. She shares a federally approved way for many nonprofits to save money.
Leaders Plan for an Encore
Lots of nonprofit leaders are retiring, but a majority plan to stay active as volunteers or consultants. Learn what resources are available to help plan for this "second stage" of life.
Rising Young Nonprofit Leaders Point the Way
A leadership crisis is brewing. Two-thirds of all nonprofit senior leaders say they plan to leave their post in the next five years. How can the sector welcome, prepare and support the next generation in leading our essential mission-based organizations? A timely survey of young professionals tells us how we can begin today.
Improve your Board's Effectiveness
Policy Governance is a model of board governance that an increasing number of nonprofits are engaging. Join us at this training on July 17th and help your board focus on the "big picture".
Seattle Hosting Independent Sector Conference
Seattle will host the national Independent Sector conference this November. Don't miss one of the most valuable educational opportunities for the nonprofit sector, featuring leaders from nonprofits and philanthropy.