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."
The Case for Writing Your Own Documentation
Documentation is important when planning, implementing and improving upon a technology project. Unfortunately, both process and technical documentation tend to get pushed to the side by organizations. We provide a compelling case for why you should write your own documentation, how you can use it for maximum benefit, and helpful tools to get you started.
DemandTools: The Swiss Army Knife for Salesforce
DemandTools is a data quality and data cleansing tool that is free for any 501c3 nonprofit organization that uses Salesforce for their database needs. Able to handle just about any database management task you might have, DemandTools is free to download if you provide them your 501c3 letter. We recommend, however, you consult a Salesforce expert to ensure you are able to use the tool properly. Learn more!
The IRS Needs to Hear From Nonprofit Board Leaders
We are passing along a message from BoardSource, an online resource for nonprofit board leaders. We are asking that you provide the IRS valuable feedback about a drastic new rule change that would require some nonprofits to collect their donors' social security numbers. Our position is that this change will make donors more hesitant to give and would cost nonprofits heavily in the need for additional cyber-security measures.
Mark Your Calendars: The Next King County Executive Director Forum is on Dec. 18
The Executive Director Forum is a unique opportunity for nonprofit EDs/CEOs to connect with their peers, share ideas, and learn from each other in a supportive environment. In each session you will visit three discussion groups facilitated by an outstanding leader. This round includes Sallie Neillie from Project Access Northwest, Jake Weber from FamilyWorks, and Sharonne Navas from Equity in Education Coalition.
The Relationship between the Executive Director and Board Chair Affects Organizational Success
In any nonprofit organization, no relationship is more crucial than the one between the executive director/CEO and the board chairperson. However, it takes time and commitment to create a relationship that works. An investment in an expert facilitator who can help set the groundwork for an effective working relationship will pay dividends for everyone at the organization. Read what Sherry Jennings (Sound Governance) has to say about this topic.
Helpful Resources: A Meeting of the Minds
Meetings provide opportunities to exchange ideas, learn about organizational successes and challenges and hatch plans for organizational improvements or program growth. But how can you ensure that a meeting is worth the time and cost and that your meeting goals are met? We provide some helpful resources for making the most out of your meetings of the minds.
Our Impact Across the State of Washington
Did you know 501 Commons served 15 counties across the state of Washington in 2014? Or that the Executive Service Corps and VIP Manager Corps donated $1.3 million worth of services to nonprofits? We'd like to thank the funders and donors who made accomplishments like these possible. Find out more about the impact our organization made in the nonprofit sector in 2014.
Hope your #GivingTuesday rocked! Want to plan for next year?
If you didn't participate in #GivingTuesday or want to be prepared to make a stronger push for donations during this holiday-themed crowdfunding campaign next year, we have some helpful tools for you, including a few resources from a recent Giving Tuesday training session hosted by 501 Commons and SeaTech4Good. The presenters came from The Seattle Foundation and Legal Voice.
Inspiring Stories Take Center Stage at the 2015 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
At our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 5 at the Pacific Tower's Panoramic Center, nearly 120 attendees listened to inspiring testimonies from 501 Commons volunteers and heartfelt stories of positive change from nonprofit clients at an event meant to celebrate the impact of our Executive Service Corps volunteers.
The Good Vibes of VIP Manager Corps Don't Stop
501 Commons recently piloted a "short and sweet" version of VIP Manager Corps where six King County nonprofits were matched with skilled volunteers who provided each organization a boost in their volunteer program capacity. The positive energy doesn’t stop there! Next summer, we will launch a cohort of 12 new King County nonprofits. Read more to find out how you can apply.