Nonprofits are resourceful, but sometimes having an extra hand with more in-depth expertise can help you work out kinks in your organization’s strategy. Just as you invest in your organization by training your board and acquiring great employees, hiring a fundraising consultant is an incredible way to invest in your nonprofit’s success.

Nonprofits have led the charge on many of the major movements that have changed our country. Whether it’s child labor laws, food regulations, women’s right to vote, racial and LGBTQ equality laws, or employee rights – the nonprofit sector played a substantial role in giving these movements life at the grassroots level.

A donation page is a powerful tool for nonprofits. From expanding your reach to attracting new donors, your nonprofit needs a strong online presence—and this includes a well-designed donation page. However, simply bringing new donors to your page isn’t enough. You also want supporters to stick around for the long term and become recurring donors.

Offering a competitive compensation package is key to leading a successful nonprofit hiring process. Attractive compensation offerings appeal to prospective employees in the recruitment phase and can even lead to increased employee retention down the road.

With the development of so many incredible technologies available to us today, the best choices for nonprofits should keep accessibility in mind. Simply said: "When websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them."

Eligible nonprofits in Washington State that have a primary business that’s been shut down or reduced by the pandemic – such as a performance venue, art/cultural exhibit, fitness center, or restaurant – can apply for state funding by Dec. 11.

AFP Advancement Northwest is now accepting applications for their annual scholarship program for fundraising professionals.

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.

Most organizations are experiencing some level of financial stress. Even those receiving additional direct service funds may find that having a growing program is stretching administrative staff and operating systems.

As we write about racial issues on social media, websites, grant applications, newsletters, emails, press releases, and other media, it’s imperative we use precise language at all times to ensure fairness, accuracy, sensitivity, and cultural competency.

Washington State has a new paid family leave program and, as part of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), employees who work at organizations with fewer than 500 employees may be entitled to a few new federal paid leave benefits.

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.

Combating racism and other forms of marginalization 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-oppression essays, books, podcasts, and videos that will educate you on the role you can play in cultivating a more equitable society.