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."
Shared HR Model for Nonprofits: Together We Thrive!
For small and mid-sized nonprofits that need access to foundational HR tools, training, and ongoing support but have limited budgets…look no further than 501 Commons’ Shared HR Model!
3 Tips to Keeping Your Foundation and Board Informed and Engaged
Community grantmakers often face challenges in communicating localized impact and financial health to their leadership. Historical data and financial metrics buried in fragmented spreadsheets or bulky legacy systems make it difficult to keep board members informed, which stalls decision-making and isolates leadership from the realities of their investments.
3 Best Practices to Win More Grants
Nonprofit grant funding is highly competitive. With thousands of organizations seeking the same resources, it takes an efficient application process to stand out. Development teams are often stretched thin by heavy workloads, making it vital to adopt practical approaches when researching, drafting, and managing grants. Relying on slow, manual methods drains your staff's time and leaves potential funding on the table.
3 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Earn Volunteer Grants
Imagine a typical Saturday at your nonprofit, your warehouse filled with energetic supporters sorting food donations. These individuals are the lifeblood of your operations, contributing their unique skills, passion, and time to keep your programs running smoothly.
4 Smart Automations to Fight Fundraiser Burnout
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.
AI & LLMs: What Nonprofits Need to Know
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.
How to Manage Nonprofit Teams With Limited Resources
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.
Annual IRS Filing: The Basics of What You Need to Know
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.”
3 Creative Nonprofit Revenue Streams to Diversify Funding
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!
4 Ways HR Can Support Your Nonprofit's Fundraising
When you consider your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts, you probably think of your development team as being in charge (and most of the time, that’s true). But other departments and roles can play a key part in supporting successful fundraising, such as your organization’s board of directors, the executive director, volunteers, marketing staff, IT department, and nearly anyone else who works on your mission!