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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."

Access Stable and Affordable Contracted Expertise

Access Stable and Affordable Contracted Expertise

Published Jul 16, 2021 12:55 PM

For a nonprofit to operate at its fullest potential, it takes a team of people with a variety of skills – from finances to technology to HR to fundraising – to make it work. This can be especially challenging for smaller organizations with limited staff. This is why you should partner with 501 Commons to receive the affordable help you need to ensure things run smoothly!

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Internal Nonprofit Management: 4 Tech Tools You Should Know

Internal Nonprofit Management: 4 Tech Tools You Should Know

Published Jul 13, 2021 02:03 PM

The sheer variety of software available gives nonprofits many options for how to fundraise and manage their operations, but it can also lead to confusion over which software solutions are a necessity and which are considered to be an unnecessary expense.

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Discuss Accessibility and Conveying Your Mission Succinctly at the July 16 Executive Director Forum

Discuss Accessibility and Conveying Your Mission Succinctly at the July 16 Executive Director Forum

Published Jul 12, 2021 12:45 PM

Join discussion leaders Lindsay Klarman (Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center) and Scott Chin (Seattle's Union Gospel Mission) at the July 16 Executive Director Forum (9:00 to 10:30 via Zoom).

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4 Tips for Optimizing Your Volunteers' Experience

4 Tips for Optimizing Your Volunteers' Experience

Published Jul 08, 2021 06:00 PM

Volunteers are the face and the main workforce behind many nonprofits, making them a crucial demographic to invest in. The better experience your volunteers have, the more likely they are to return to give more of their time—and maybe even money—to your cause.

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3 Event Management Tips for Running a Safe Fundraiser

3 Event Management Tips for Running a Safe Fundraiser

Published Jul 01, 2021 03:30 PM

Nonprofits have long relied on fundraising events to bring in much-needed revenue for their missions—whether that’s with a walk-a-thon, a charity gala, a live auction, or another engaging get-together. And while certain events have always carried with them a certain level of liability (think: fun runs), the unfortunate reality is that in-person gatherings today are riskier than ever before.

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Why Nonprofits Should Focus on Financial Literacy

Why Nonprofits Should Focus on Financial Literacy

Published Jun 29, 2021 02:40 PM

For decades, nonprofit organizations have played a vital role in building healthy communities. One challenge that constantly faces them, however, is how to sustain operations during an economic downturn.

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Get Ahead of the "Turnover Tsunami"

Get Ahead of the "Turnover Tsunami"

Published Jun 25, 2021 12:50 PM

We are just recovering from the pandemic, and another challenge is overtaking nonprofits – the "Turnover Tsunami."

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Grant opportunities – Summer 2021

Grant opportunities – Summer 2021

Published Jun 24, 2021 02:48 PM

Need additional funding? Of course! Take a look at these grant opportunities with deadlines that are either coming up soon or are being offered on a rolling basis.

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How to Leverage Corporate Giving in Your Fundraisers

How to Leverage Corporate Giving in Your Fundraisers

Published Jun 14, 2021 01:50 PM

It’s no secret that nonprofits rely on individual donors and businesses to help push their missions forward. Meanwhile, companies look for opportunities to contribute to causes that resonate with them and communicate their values to the community.

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Take Your Campaign Online: 5 Tips for Virtual Advocacy

Take Your Campaign Online: 5 Tips for Virtual Advocacy

Published Jun 09, 2021 05:36 PM

Russ Oster, the CEO and Co-founder of Grassroots Unwired, dives into best practices for increasing meaningful engagement for your cause online. He writes about why it's important to leverage your digital outlets with intention, using his experience organizing grassroots campaign.

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