Our Blog of News, Tips & Insights
Welcome to The Commons, 501 Commons' blog, where we share:
- How-to's, tips, and tricks from nonprofit tech, finance, HR, and other areas
- News and updates about upcoming events, programs, and services
- Thought-provoking pieces around topics, such as skills-based volunteerism, nonprofit management, and more
- Stories from clients about the impact of 501 Commons' programs and services
Plus, we invite your comments! Add your thoughts to these posts, so our blog truly becomes "The Commons."
4 Tips to Train Your Volunteers for Your Upcoming Gala
Running a fundraising gala is no easy task. Between marketing your event, getting your technology in place, and setting up your event space, you’ve got your plate full. Luckily, you don’t have to plan and lead your gala alone!
Starting January 1, 2024, WA is Raising the Minimum Wage and Overtime Salary Threshold
Starting January 1, WA’s minimum wage will increase to $16.28 per hour for employees ages 16+. This represents a 3.4% increase from this year. This new rate applies to nonprofit employers of all kinds.
Reporting Requirements for Washington State's Paid Family Leave and WA Cares Fund
Every quarter, all WA-based employers – including nonprofits! – must complete and file a Paid Family and Medical Leave report and pay premiums. With the launch of WA Cares Fund on July 1, this means additional reporting is required.
Best Practices for Nonprofit Project Management
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.
8 Tips for Managing Your Nonprofit's Database Effectively
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.
4 Creative Ways to Engage Donor-Advised Fund Holders
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.
Gain Time & Peace of Mind by Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping to Us!
Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science has experienced the benefits of outsourcing their accounting to 501 Commons’ Financial Services.
4 Tips to Plan Effective Nonprofit Board Presentations
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.
Giving Trends Call Out the Importance of Attracting New Donors
Giving USA Foundation recently released their 2023 report on giving trends in the U.S., and there are plenty of takeaways that nonprofits should pay attention to.
3 Accounting Tips for Nonprofits After a Fundraiser
Your nonprofit’s fundraising events serve a myriad of purposes, from building relationships with donors to spreading awareness for your cause. But, primarily, your events aim to raise money.