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 Turn One-Time Donors Into Lifelong Supporters
In 2023, the average first-time donor retention rate was 19.63%. This means that for every 100 new donors nonprofits recruited, less than 20 of them returned to make a second contribution.
Key Elements to Include in Your Nonprofit's Brand Guide
Your nonprofit’s brand makes it stand out from the crowd, communicates its mission more effectively, and inspires support for its efforts. When supporters can immediately recognize your organization’s brand, it builds confidence that leads to stronger relationships and increased engagement. But to experience these benefits, it’s critical to maintain consistency in your branding.
Sleep Better Knowing the Nonprofit Experts are Taking Care of Business
When you are preparing your next budget, consider all the time you spend worrying about administrative tasks that you don’t feel confident your organization has the expertise to do efficiently and correctly.
4 Tips for Leveraging Fundraising Software for Efficiency
Are you making the most of your fundraising software?
Learn to Spot Phishing Emails Like a Pro
Does your staff team know how to spot the difference between a legitimate email requesting payment for an invoice and a phishing scam that's meant to steal funds or data from you?
3 Tips to Assess Your Nonprofit's Digital Infrastructure
Think about all the digital tools that make your nonprofit’s work possible—from your website and constituent relationship management (CRM) software to the platforms you use to communicate with donors and run fundraisers.
From Mild-Mannered Database User to Salesforce Superhero in No Time!
Whether you’re still tracking constituent data in disconnected (and unsecured!) Excel spreadsheets or if you feel like your database needs a “deep clean,” we’re here to help!
9 Ways to Prioritize Accessibility at Your Next Event
Planning a successful event can be challenging. Your nonprofit has many balls to juggle and to-do lists to complete for everything to run smoothly. However, one detail that you should not overlook is accessibility.
Nonprofit Investing Guide: Planning for the Future
As a nonprofit leader, you’ve spent significant time and energy planning for your organization’s long-term growth. To put those plans into action and maximize your impact, it’s crucial to prioritize your nonprofit’s financial future, too.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Makes Updates to Federal Grantmaking Rules
The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently published revisions to rules governing federal grantmaking to charitable nonprofits (as well as state, local, and Tribal governments) that will go into effect on October 1, 2024.