If your nonprofit is feeling burned out, you’re not alone. In fact, the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s 2024 report revealed that 95% of nonprofit leaders expressed concern about staff burnout, and nearly 50% struggled to fill staff vacancies.

There's a lot of talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially revolving around helping staff teams with limited resources accomplish more. This article is written by Jordan Dwight, founder of J. Dwight Labs, which helps nonprofits leverage software to achieve their goals and further their missions. Jordan has worked in tech for 10+ years at Amazon and startups.

Nonprofit leaders often face the challenge of balancing ambitious missions with limited staffing and financial resources. Many organizations operate with small teams while responding to increasing community needs, expanding programs, and ongoing operational demands.

Most nonprofit organizations, with a few exceptions, are required to file an annual form with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The form is officially named “Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax.”

Relying on the same cycle of grants and annual campaigns can leave your organization vulnerable to donor fatigue and shifting economic tides. Tackle financial uncertainty head-on by diversifying your revenue streams and making it fun for your donors to give!

When WA FIRST Robotics needed a technology makeover, they enlisted the help of Microsoft and 501 Commons' Technology Services to become more efficient in collaborating, data tracking and reporting. Their dedication to inspiring kids to pursue STEM careers is why we're featuring them at this year's Techtacular.

Prominent voices within philanthropy are arguing that funders need to stop directing the specific uses of their funds and provide general operating grants. Despite studies that show this to be the most effective type of funding, the percentage of general operating grants has been stagnant for the last 10 years. The result is that nonprofits are underfunding core administrative functions and infrastructure.

Join us Wednesday April 29th in the panoramic conference center at Pacific Tower. Techtacular is a fun no-ask networking event attending by leaders from the technology and nonprofit sectors. The theme of this year’s Techtacular is STEMpunk, a splendid mixture of the Steampunk genre with STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math as we profile First Robotics, which received a technology makeover thanks to Microsoft and 501 Commons.

The Spring '15 Release is now available in all Salesforce accounts and this release comes with some great additions to the Salesforce experience. Some of the highlights includes being able to subscribe to reports, receive alerts of duplications, a new feature called "Lightning Process Builder," better mobile support for dashboards, Chatter posts being bundles, syncing Salesforce files to your desktop, and more.

A group of Washington state funders is interested in knowing what resources and programs are currently used and valued by nonprofit and community leaders and what gaps need to be addressed. They have hired CompassPoint Nonprofit Services to conduct a survey and to do interviews. Please give them your feedback by Feb. 26.

According to a survey produced by 501 Commons and Deloitte Consulting, many nonprofits lack the funding, expertise, and access to basic technology infrastructure and technology tools that would increase staff productivity, reduce crises, and expand their reach.

2014 was another year of change and growth at 501 Commons. We have been getting to know lots of new staff members, with our ranks growing to 37. With two board members and six team members welcoming new additions to their households, we have also been celebrating the expanding ranks of our extended staff family.

The Independent Sector's 2014 NGen Conference challenged emerging nonprofit and philanthropic leaders under 40 to become fearless in the way they tackle social change.

Puget Sound Christian Clinic knew their IT system needed a checkup. This inspired them to enroll in Deep Dive, a technology-focused cohort program that seeks to help nonprofits maximize their use of technology. They now have a broader understanding of how to use technology and maintain their system for the long haul.

We're here! After months upon months of careful planning, 501 Commons has finally moved into the 11th floor of Pacific Tower on north Beacon Hill. We are grateful and thrilled for the opportunities this move will provide us and our nonprofit community.