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The Commons

Our Blog of News, Tips, & Insights

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."

Reporting Requirements for Washington State's Paid Family Leave and WA Cares Fund

Reporting Requirements for Washington State's Paid Family Leave and WA Cares Fund

Published Oct 31, 2023 12:31 PM

Every quarter, all WA-based employers – including nonprofits! – must complete and file a Paid Family and Medical Leave report and pay premiums. With the launch of WA Cares Fund on July 1, this means additional reporting is required.

Reporting Requirements for Washington State's Paid Family Leave and WA Cares Fund - Read More…

Best Practices for Nonprofit Project Management

Best Practices for Nonprofit Project Management

Published Sep 22, 2023 04:00 PM

Nonprofits need to run like clockwork to effectively cover their many projects, internal processes, and stakeholder management. Given this, they often have to anchor on project management to keep their wheels turning.

Best Practices for Nonprofit Project Management - Read More…

8 Tips for Managing Your Nonprofit's Database Effectively

8 Tips for Managing Your Nonprofit's Database Effectively

Published Sep 21, 2023 05:44 PM

Whether your nonprofit is working to launch a fundraising campaign, adjust its marketing strategies, or recruit volunteers, having access to organized supporter data is essential to making informed and effective decisions.

8 Tips for Managing Your Nonprofit's Database Effectively - Read More…

4 Creative Ways to Engage Donor-Advised Fund Holders

4 Creative Ways to Engage Donor-Advised Fund Holders

Published Sep 07, 2023 05:32 PM

With last year’s giving trends showing a 10% decline in donations to nonprofits across the board, it’s more important than ever to get creative with your fundraising strategies and explore new avenues for donations. If you haven’t previously targeted donor-advised funds, or DAFs, this is a worthwhile avenue to look into.

4 Creative Ways to Engage Donor-Advised Fund Holders - Read More…

Gain Time & Peace of Mind by Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping to Us!

Gain Time & Peace of Mind by Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping to Us!

Published Aug 28, 2023 05:33 PM

Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science has experienced the benefits of outsourcing their accounting to 501 Commons’ Financial Services.

Gain Time & Peace of Mind by Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping to Us! - Read More…

4 Tips to Plan Effective Nonprofit Board Presentations

4 Tips to Plan Effective Nonprofit Board Presentations

Published Aug 02, 2023 04:21 PM

Board members are a nonprofit’s strategic innovators. They review information about the organization’s strategies and finances, hear from stakeholders about successes and challenges, and create plans to achieve greater future success.

4 Tips to Plan Effective Nonprofit Board Presentations - Read More…

Giving Trends Call Out the Importance of Attracting New Donors

Giving Trends Call Out the Importance of Attracting New Donors

Published Jul 24, 2023 01:55 PM

Giving USA Foundation recently released their 2023 report on giving trends in the U.S., and there are plenty of takeaways that nonprofits should pay attention to.

Giving Trends Call Out the Importance of Attracting New Donors - Read More…

3 Accounting Tips for Nonprofits After a Fundraiser

3 Accounting Tips for Nonprofits After a Fundraiser

Published Jul 17, 2023 01:15 PM

Your nonprofit’s fundraising events serve a myriad of purposes, from building relationships with donors to spreading awareness for your cause. But, primarily, your events aim to raise money.

3 Accounting Tips for Nonprofits After a Fundraiser - Read More…

Fundraising Advisory Services: Minimize the Guesswork and Maximize Results

Fundraising Advisory Services: Minimize the Guesswork and Maximize Results

Published Jul 11, 2023 11:49 AM

Everyone needs to raise money for their mission, but not everyone knows how to do it. We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to work with an experienced fundraiser who can assess your organization’s capacity to raise funds, develop intentional strategies to help you get to the next level, and mobilize your board along the way.

Fundraising Advisory Services: Minimize the Guesswork and Maximize Results - Read More…

A Crash Course in Planned Giving

A Crash Course in Planned Giving

Published Jun 16, 2023 03:36 PM

When nonprofits think of raising large sums of money, they usually think of major donors, corporate partnerships, or grants. Another way to raise funds is through planned giving, an often overlooked type of gift. Learn what planned giving is, its benefits, and some tips for getting started.

A Crash Course in Planned Giving - Read More…