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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."

Congratulations to 2014 program participants

Published Feb 18, 2014 06:10 PM

Welcome to the 6 arts organizations participating in the 2014 Springboard program and the 16 King County nonprofits that have been selected to participate in the VIP360 program. VIP 360, which helps organizations improve their engagement of volunteers, is funded by United Way of King County and delivered in partnership with 501 Commons.

Congratulations to 2014 program participants - Read More…

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Published Jan 16, 2014 11:35 AM

From the 501 Commons team to you: best wishes for a fulfilling and successful new year. We invite you to download our 2014 calendar!

Happy New Year! - Read More…

2013 Recap: Thanks to Our Funders and Clients!

2013 Recap: Thanks to Our Funders and Clients!

Published Dec 31, 2013 12:05 PM

It's been a really BIG year. 501 Commons has added 24 new staff in 2013, several new programs, and expanded services into new communities. Our service corps members provided $1.8 million in donated services. We are particularly proud of the growth in organizations using our technology and financial services, where 100% of clients were satisfied with the support we gave them. We are thankful for all of the new and continuing support we received. We hold high hopes for 2014 and wish you all the best in this new year.

2013 Recap: Thanks to Our Funders and Clients! - Read More…

Updated Information on the Affordable Care Act

Updated Information on the Affordable Care Act

Published Dec 27, 2013 08:35 PM

Thanks to action by the U.S. Treasury Department, nonprofits in Washington can apply for tax credits to help pay for up to 50 percent of their employees’ health insurance premium. Until the change was made the tax credit was only available to qualifying organizations in the two counties in Washington with an active SHOP program.

Updated Information on the Affordable Care Act - Read More…

VIP Manager Corps: Breaking the cycle of ‘never enough time’

Published Dec 13, 2013 11:59 AM

Wallingford Community Senior Center has struggled with the financial and capacity issues familiar to many local nonprofits in the wake of the 2008 recession. With community will and support, the Center has been working hard to redefine, rebuild, and reinvigorate its services.

VIP Manager Corps: Breaking the cycle of ‘never enough time’ - Read More…

A Travel Guide to Nonprofit Finances

Published Nov 14, 2013 12:00 AM

Let us know if you would like to attend the next Travel Guide to Nonprofit Finances. We can help you learn the lingo and gain an understanding of nonprofit accounting basics.

A Travel Guide to Nonprofit Finances - Read More…

Office Space Considerations

Office Space Considerations

Published Nov 07, 2013 12:00 AM

Last month, we asked nonprofits to tell us what they are paying for office space, what amenities were important, and how they were managing occupancy costs. Having benchmark information about what other nonprofits are paying can be really helpful if you are shopping for space.

Office Space Considerations - Read More…

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon recap

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon recap

Published Oct 31, 2013 12:00 AM

On October 24, we celebrated the accomplishments of our volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Lake Washington Rowing Club on north Lake Union.

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon recap - Read More…

Tired of technology glitches? Use Microsoft's Office 365 for Nonprofits

Tired of technology glitches? Use Microsoft's Office 365 for Nonprofits

Published Oct 31, 2013 12:00 AM

If your organization is looking for a way to make better use of time and help eliminate tech emergencies, we encourage you to take a look at Office 365 for Nonprofits.

Tired of technology glitches? Use Microsoft's Office 365 for Nonprofits - Read More…

HR ‘Horror Stories’? You Need Performance Management!

Published Oct 17, 2013 01:15 PM

If you’re interested in learning essential performance management best practices, please join us on November 6 for an informative 90 minute workshop!

HR ‘Horror Stories’? You Need Performance Management! - Read More…