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."
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.
Springboard Emboldens Arts and Cultural Nonprofits to Flourish
La Sala was founded by a small team of dedicated people whose passion brought the mission to life. After completing the Springboard cohort program earlier this year, the organization - whose mission is to empower the local Latino/Latina arts community - now has both the internal structures in place to succeed and an exciting new funding opportunity.
Helpful Resources: Fundraising Event Planning
Producing a major fundraising event can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor. To ensure success, remember to think of events as the culmination of building relationships with donors instead of just being a place where you solicit gifts. We've compiled a list of helpful resources to help guide you through the process of planning the best fundraising events.
RFPs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
RFPs are a common method for nonprofits to gather bidders for an important project. However, in our experience, we believe RFPs are not always the best way to select that crucial vendor your organization needs. We recommend nonprofits instead hire a consultant based on an in-depth discussion rather than dryly reviewing a document.
Inland Northwest Conference for the Greater Good: Uniting Eastern Washington Nonprofits
The Inland Northwest Conference for the Greater Good, on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Spokane Convention Center, is a fantastic opportunity for Eastern Washington nonprofits to grow stronger together. Hosted by Washington Nonprofits, the conference promises to be a space where nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers can come together to inspire and be inspired. Hope to see you there!
Need an Event Space? Look No Further than Our Venues Map
Nonprofits that are searching for a space for their next fundraising event, program function, meeting or board retreat should check out the Northwest Nonprofit Venues Map, which lists more than 300 venues in WA State and beyond. Many of these venues are free or offer a nonprofit discount and include amenities such as A/V equipment, kitchen space, parking options, and more.
Kick Off Fall with the Sept. 11 King County Executive Director Forum
The Executive Director Forum on Sept. 11 at Pacific Tower is a unique opportunity for nonprofit EDs/CEOs to connect with their peers, share ideas, and learn from each other in a supportive environment. Each session offers three discussion groups facilitated by three outstanding leaders.