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."
Honoring Donnie Chin and His Nonprofit Colleagues
The Washington nonprofit sector recently lost Donnie Chin, founder of the International District Emergency Center, who was murdered on the streets of the community he loved and served for 45 years. His life was a testament to the spirit of goodness that is crucial to the work of the philanthropic sector.
Make Room in Your Budget for 501 Commons!
We may be only half way done with 2015, but many nonprofits are now starting to figure out their budgets for 2016. We ask that you consider making room in your budgets for staff and leadership development and organizational improvement, as 501 Commons offers trainings, events, and direct services in these areas.
Policy Governance: Strengthening Your Partnership with Your Board
"Policy Governance" is a tool that ensures a nonprofit's board, executive director, and staff understand their roles in advancing the organization's mission within a clearly articulated framework. As 501 Commons and leaders from Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program and ArtsWest can attest, adopting PG's principles can be crucial to a nonprofit's success.
10 Benefits of Policy Governance®
501 Commons has used the Policy Governance approach to our board for a decade. We believe this approach is well-designed, holistic, and logically approaches how a board should relate to a nonprofit's executive director and staff. We're sharing with you 10 benefits your organization could experience using Policy Governance.
VIP Management Corps: Not Your Typical Volunteer Opportunity
We are looking for volunteers to join the VIP Management Corps as part of the upcoming 2015/2016 cohort. VIP Management Corps is a partnership between 501 Commons and the United Way of King County that helps nonprofits improve their volunteer engagement. We're seeking volunteers with people skills, leadership experience, and a commitment to volunteerism.
Enjoy Summer in Seattle at 501 Connects
Join us for a little summer fun at the next 501 Connects on Tuesday, July 14 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Pacific Tower. Service corps members, Resource Directory service providers and 501 Commons staff are invited to enjoy the amazing views, refreshments, fun activities, and casual networking opportunities.
Need Help? We Have an App for That!
Just as our clients at 501 Commons are diverse in their work, 501 Commons also offers a diverse array of services for these nonprofits - including consulting, referrals to nonprofit experts, training events, direct services, cohort programs, space for meetings/conferences, and more.
Let Catalyst Spark Your Fundraising
We are actively searching for nonprofits to participate in Catalyst, a cohort program that will equip you with the tools you need to improve your fundraising. The deadline to apply is July 19, so apply today as spots in this collaborative program are filling up fast!
Catalyst: You Can Help a Nonprofit Ignite Its Fundraising
Nonprofits are continually challenged to generate enough revenue to fully fund their missions. This is why we're searching for volunteer consultants to join Catalyst, a cohort program that helps ten nonprofits build a plan for better fundraising. The deadline to apply is July 19.
Helpful Resources: Tools and Ideas for Fundraising
Everyone understands the importance of fundraising. Without it, how would nonprofits be able to do their work in our communities? This is why we're sharing these tools and ideas for helping your organization raise more money.