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."
Nonprofit Budgets: The Basics of What You Need to Know
If your organization has a “calendar year” fiscal year, the falling leaves of autumn will most likely bring budgeting for the coming year to mind.
5 Steps for Tracking and Managing Grant Spending to Stay Compliant
Securing grants is only half the battle; managing them effectively is where many nonprofits struggle. And there’s a lot on the line—grant compliance issues can jeopardize funding, damage funder relationships, and lead to stressful audits.
Nonprofit Event Management: Team Training Must-Haves
Running a successful nonprofit event hinges on having a well-prepared team. From managing check-ins to handling last-minute changes, your staff and volunteers need to know what to do, when to do it, and how to stay flexible under pressure.
Leadership Transition at 501 Commons
We'd like to share with you this important announcement regarding a leadership transition at 501 Commons.
Sustainability: The Hallmark of a Successful Grants Program
What makes a grant program truly successful? Is it just about the nonprofit spending the funds and launching initiatives, or does real success mean continuing to make an impact long after the grant has ended?
5 Tips to Maximizing Job Candidate Engagement
Due to a combination of factors, including salary competition and burnout, nonprofits are facing workforce shortages that make strategic hiring more important than ever. In fact, in a recent survey by the National Council of Nonprofits, nearly three out of four (74.6%) nonprofits reported job vacancies within their organizations.
3 Ways to Improve Your Nonprofit's Programs
Every nonprofit shares an overarching goal: To create a positive, lasting impact for the betterment of its community or area. However, as the needs of its beneficiaries evolve, nonprofit professionals must work to improve their programs accordingly.
The Art of Donor Stewardship: How to Recognize Supporters
Securing donors’ long-term support is critical for your nonprofit to continually fund its mission-driven initiatives. However, in recent years, the average donor retention rate across the nonprofit sector has hovered just under 35%.
Customized Board Training: Build a Strong and Productive Board That Serves Your Mission
Your board is the foundation governing body of your organization. 501 Commons offers a variety of learning sessions that can be customized specifically for your board and delivered online.
4 Tips for Optimizing Your Volunteers' Experience
Volunteers are a core part of your nonprofit’s team, running your fundraisers, lending a hand to your programs, and ensuring everyday administrative tasks are completed.