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."
Financial Education Can Help You Cultivate More Loyal and Productive Employees
While nonprofits try their best to promote a community-centric approach to achieving their missions, this approach can often neglect another important audience – their employees. Organizations that want to cultivate more loyal and productive employees can do so by offering a service that many of us don’t often think about: Financial education.
WA State Nonprofits Must Prepare for New Paid Family & Medical Leave Laws Starting in 2019
Washington will be the fifth state to require employers to provide paid family and medical leave (PFML) benefits starting in 2020. These benefits are crucial for anyone who is recovering from a serious illness or injury, or has a close relative who is.
A Sense of Belonging Forces Stronger Teams
The need to belong is considered an innate feeling among all human beings across all cultures. That also applies to the workplace! Employees who feel like they belong to a larger cause will be more engaged, better connected to the mission, and feel valued.
Update on Federal and Local Overtime Rule Changes
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is currently gathering feedback about changes to overtime compensation rules and the WA State Department of Labor and Industries is looking to change the overtime rules that apply to Executive, Administrative, and Professional (EAP) employee categories.
Fall Board Meeting Discussion Item: "What is Our Advocacy Agenda?"
The fall weather shift is a reminder to determine your public policy agenda and talk to your board about their role in advocacy. Get your staff and board members in contact with legislators before they head back to Olympia in January.
Transform Yourself Into a Data Superhero
If knowledge is power, then our Data Solutions team can help transform you into a superhero!
Visit 501commons.org/Learn for Resources to Advance Your Nonprofit Career
Exciting news for nonprofit professionals, executives, board members, interns, students, and volunteers in the Pacific Northwest!
Kick Off Fall With Executive Roundtables
Want the opportunity to talk through common challenges with sympathetic peers? Join us for the next Executive Director Forum on Friday, Oct. 5 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Pacific Tower (Suite #810).
Gain Peace of Mind by Outsourcing to 501 Commons
Working on your 2019 budget? Consider the benefits of outsourcing important back office functions to 501 Commons!
Advocacy is a Must for All Nonprofits and Board Members
In early August, 75+ people attended a workshop with Toren Lewis from the Alliance for Justice on the rules governing nonprofits being engaged in advocacy. The big takeaway was simple: Nonprofits and board members can and should advocate for the causes that matter most to them.