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."
Reduce Time on "Depleting" Activities to Prevent Leadership Burnout
As we move to address the various challenges brought upon by the pandemic and related economic burdens, let's take this as an opportunity to rethink how we run our organizations from the top to the bottom.
Helpful Resources: Grant Writing
Of the 87,142 foundations operating in the United States, 1,329 are in Washington State, and they awarded more than $3.9 billion to nonprofits in 2013. While individual gifts are an important avenue of generating revenue, the importance of grants and applying for grants cannot be ignored. We provide helpful grant writing resources and referrals that can help you raise the funds you need to support your mission.
5 Key Reasons and Strategies for Hiring a Fundraising Consultant
Nonprofits are resourceful, but sometimes having an extra hand with more in-depth expertise can help you work out kinks in your organization’s strategy. Just as you invest in your organization by training your board and acquiring great employees, hiring a fundraising consultant is an incredible way to invest in your nonprofit’s success.
Calling All Advocates! Learn the Rules of the Road
Nonprofits have led the charge on many of the major movements that have changed our country. Whether it’s child labor laws, food regulations, women’s right to vote, racial and LGBTQ equality laws, or employee rights – the nonprofit sector played a substantial role in giving these movements life at the grassroots level.
How to Use Your Online Giving Page to Boost Donor Retention
A donation page is a powerful tool for nonprofits. From expanding your reach to attracting new donors, your nonprofit needs a strong online presence—and this includes a well-designed donation page. However, simply bringing new donors to your page isn’t enough. You also want supporters to stick around for the long term and become recurring donors.
Best Nonprofit Hiring Strategies: Compensation Packages 101
Offering a competitive compensation package is key to leading a successful nonprofit hiring process. Attractive compensation offerings appeal to prospective employees in the recruitment phase and can even lead to increased employee retention down the road.
Online Accessibility for Beginners
With the development of so many incredible technologies available to us today, the best choices for nonprofits should keep accessibility in mind. Simply said: "When websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them."
Our Data Pros Can Help You Understand and Tell Your Story
Famous statistician, professor, and author W. Edwards Deming wrote: "In God we trust. All others must bring data." We can help you bring the data!
Nonprofit Investing Guide: Planning for the Future
As a nonprofit leader, you’ve likely spent significant time and energy planning your organization’s long-term programmatic growth. In order to put those plans into action and maximize your impact on the community, you need to take financial literacy seriously and plan for your nonprofit’s financial future.
WA State L&I Employment Webinars Happening This Summer
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is hosting a series of free webinars that provide both workers and employers the chance to learn more about the state’s employment laws.