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."
501 Commons Recognized as 2014 Nonprofit of the Year
In front of a sold-out crowd of business and nonprofit leaders, 501 Commons was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by Seattle Business magazine at the inaugural Community Impact Awards held on October 22 at MOHAI. The Community Impact Awards recognize local companies and organizations "whose dedication and commitment to strengthening our community have had the greatest impact on the region."
Springboard Helps Arts Organizations Become Champions of their Artists
Being an artist isn't easy. Leading an arts organization also isn't easy. But the ambitious nonprofit arts organizations that graduated from our 2014 Springboard cohort program, now have successful plans in place to better serve their missions.
Service Corps Earns National Recognition
501 Commons' Executive Service Corps program was selected as a Featured Finalist for the America's Service Commissions (ASC) Innovation and Leadership Awards. Nearly 500 people in Washington State volunteer their time and talents to nonprofit through the Executive Service Corps, which was founded in 1989. Because of their generosity, 501 Commons can provide affordable management consulting services and programs to nonprofits.
How to Tell a Compelling Story in the Digital Age
Take a few minutes to learn from Nancy Xu's Slideshare about how you can tell a compelling story using visuals, a strong narrative structure, and good old-fashioned content. And sign up for our newsletter and twitter feeds to learn about upcoming 501 Talks Tech sessions!
Salesforce Update Available
The Salesforce Foundation recently announced the release of a major update to the Nonprofit Starter Pack. Here's what you need to know about the new release and why you should consider upgrading.
Pierce County: Tell Us What You Want, What You Really, Really Want
The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation has asked 501 Commons to develop opportunities for nonprofit leaders in Pierce County. We are conducting a survey to gather information about what leaders want. What kind of trainings or peer gatherings would you like to see?
Guest Blog: State Unemployment Insurance Needn’t Overtax Nonprofits
Jenn Smith of the Unemployment Services Trust (UST) explains why, regardless of your own nonprofit’s unemployment history, your organization could be overpaying in unemployment costs. She shares a federally approved way for many nonprofits to save money.
Leaders Plan for an Encore
Lots of nonprofit leaders are retiring, but a majority plan to stay active as volunteers or consultants. Learn what resources are available to help plan for this "second stage" of life.
Rising Young Nonprofit Leaders Point the Way
A leadership crisis is brewing. Two-thirds of all nonprofit senior leaders say they plan to leave their post in the next five years. How can the sector welcome, prepare and support the next generation in leading our essential mission-based organizations? A timely survey of young professionals tells us how we can begin today.
Improve your Board's Effectiveness
Policy Governance is a model of board governance that an increasing number of nonprofits are engaging. Join us at this training on July 17th and help your board focus on the "big picture".