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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."

$10 Million in funding available to Washington nonprofit organizations

$10 Million in funding available to Washington nonprofit organizations

Published May 06, 2021 11:55 AM

The State of Washington is releasing a $10 million Nonprofit Community Recovery (NCR) grant program for nonprofits with missions focused in the following areas:

$10 Million in funding available to Washington nonprofit organizations - Read More…

4 Tips for Optimizing Your Donor Outreach Content

4 Tips for Optimizing Your Donor Outreach Content

Published Apr 05, 2021 01:42 PM

As a nonprofit fundraising professional, your team likely reevaluates your communications strategies at multiple touchpoints throughout the fundraising process. It’s necessary to know which areas you should optimize for improved donor outreach.

4 Tips for Optimizing Your Donor Outreach Content - Read More…

Taking Action Against Anti-Asian Hate

Taking Action Against Anti-Asian Hate

Published Mar 29, 2021 12:30 PM

In the past two weeks, greater public attention has been called to anti-Asian hate. In Seattle, a man was charged with malicious harassment after two instances where he shouted profanities and threw things at Asian women and their children. In Atlanta, eight people were killed by a mass murderer, six of whom were Asian-American women.

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How to Maximize Major Gifts With Machine Learning

How to Maximize Major Gifts With Machine Learning

Published Mar 04, 2021 03:25 PM

Believe it or not, 88% of nonprofits’ revenue comes from the top 12% of their donors. This top tier of donors are those who contribute “major gifts.”

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Salish School of Spokane Rises to the Challenge

Salish School of Spokane Rises to the Challenge

Published Feb 19, 2021 03:28 PM

Salish School of Spokane is a childcare center and elementary school that preserves and revitalizes the Salish people’s language and culture. The school was started by five women to provide immersion education to children ranging from infants to high school students, so that the Salish community may live on for future generations.

Salish School of Spokane Rises to the Challenge - Read More…

Put "Professional Development" on Your 2021 To-Do List

Put "Professional Development" on Your 2021 To-Do List

Published Jan 19, 2021 04:50 PM

As we head into a new year, executive directors and supervisors should put continuing education for their employees high on their 2021 “to-do” list.

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What to Consider When Taking Your Nonprofit Events Online: A Crash Course

What to Consider When Taking Your Nonprofit Events Online: A Crash Course

Published Jan 14, 2021 04:05 PM

When the pandemic hit, nonprofits were forced to adapt and grow their fundraising in a digital world. Now, hosting virtual fundraising events is a strategy many nonprofits are making a regular part of their fundraising calendar – for the long haul.

What to Consider When Taking Your Nonprofit Events Online: A Crash Course - Read More…

Best Practices for Managing Remote Teams

Best Practices for Managing Remote Teams

Published Jan 04, 2021 10:55 AM

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced nonprofits of all kinds to shift to remote working arrangements. Many are still struggling with the transition. But since the pandemic is still confining workers to their homes for the foreseeable future, it’s worth looking at tips that can improve remote work management.

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3 Ways to Make Your Nonprofit’s Website More Accessible

3 Ways to Make Your Nonprofit’s Website More Accessible

Published Dec 08, 2020 05:10 PM

As a nonprofit, you want your website to be as user-friendly as possible to attract more visitors and convert them into donors. You should build in regular slots of time to give your website a checkup, noting successful strategies and opportunities for improvement.

3 Ways to Make Your Nonprofit’s Website More Accessible - Read More…

WA Organizations: Apply by Dec. 11, 2020 for COVID-19 State Funding

WA Organizations: Apply by Dec. 11, 2020 for COVID-19 State Funding

Published Dec 04, 2020 03:26 PM

Eligible nonprofits in Washington State that have a primary business that’s been shut down or reduced by the pandemic – such as a performance venue, art/cultural exhibit, fitness center, or restaurant – can apply for state funding by Dec. 11.

WA Organizations: Apply by Dec. 11, 2020 for COVID-19 State Funding - Read More…