Nonprofits need to run like clockwork to effectively cover their many projects, internal processes, and stakeholder management. Given this, they often have to anchor on project management to keep their wheels turning.

Whether your nonprofit is working to launch a fundraising campaign, adjust its marketing strategies, or recruit volunteers, having access to organized supporter data is essential to making informed and effective decisions.

With last year’s giving trends showing a 10% decline in donations to nonprofits across the board, it’s more important than ever to get creative with your fundraising strategies and explore new avenues for donations. If you haven’t previously targeted donor-advised funds, or DAFs, this is a worthwhile avenue to look into.

Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science has experienced the benefits of outsourcing their accounting to 501 Commons’ Financial Services.

Board members are a nonprofit’s strategic innovators. They review information about the organization’s strategies and finances, hear from stakeholders about successes and challenges, and create plans to achieve greater future success.

Welcome to the 6 arts organizations participating in the 2014 Springboard program and the 16 King County nonprofits that have been selected to participate in the VIP360 program. VIP 360, which helps organizations improve their engagement of volunteers, is funded by United Way of King County and delivered in partnership with 501 Commons.

From the 501 Commons team to you: best wishes for a fulfilling and successful new year. We invite you to download our 2014 calendar!

It's been a really BIG year. 501 Commons has added 24 new staff in 2013, several new programs, and expanded services into new communities. Our service corps members provided $1.8 million in donated services. We are particularly proud of the growth in organizations using our technology and financial services, where 100% of clients were satisfied with the support we gave them. We are thankful for all of the new and continuing support we received. We hold high hopes for 2014 and wish you all the best in this new year.

Wallingford Community Senior Center has struggled with the financial and capacity issues familiar to many local nonprofits in the wake of the 2008 recession. With community will and support, the Center has been working hard to redefine, rebuild, and reinvigorate its services.

Last month, we asked nonprofits to tell us what they are paying for office space, what amenities were important, and how they were managing occupancy costs. Having benchmark information about what other nonprofits are paying can be really helpful if you are shopping for space.

Over 40 nonprofit professionals came together at our latest breakfast event, and learned how a program quality initiative can improve their programs and help build capacity.

Join 501 Commons for breakfast on Wednesday, October 9th! You’ll learn from Reel Grrls, the YMCA, and the Raikes Foundation why focusing on quality leads to better use of resources, clarified goals, and success stories that drive funding. Sign up today!

Regardless of whether they offer healthcare coverage, nonprofits are obligated to provide information to employees about the Affordable Care Act.

501 Commons Service Corps volunteers are generous with their time and expertise! Already this year, they've doubled the number of volunteer hours provided to local nonprofits. We'll celebrate them all at our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Oct. 24th.

Cuts to the national service budget are hitting home across our state, leaving many organizations and communities scrambling or at a complete loss. Your stories can help convince congress to restore and expand this high impact program.