If your nonprofit's own event strategies have been slow to catch up with the challenges presented by the pandemic, it's definitely time to become proactive in adjusting your event planning both during COVID and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced nonprofits of all kinds to shift to remote working arrangements. Many are still struggling with the transition. But since the pandemic is still confining workers to their homes for the foreseeable future, it’s worth looking at tips that can improve remote work management.

With 2020 quickly coming to a close, it’s time to take stock of what has and hasn’t worked to help your nonprofit navigate all the challenges we’ve faced this year. As you review both successful strategies and opportunities for improvement, there’s probably a recurring factor across both categories: your website.

We are proud to announce the launch of Washington Gives, a year-round fundraising platform. We are making the GiveBIG fundraising platform available year-round to benefit organizations that do not have a website payment portal and to give all organizations year-round access to peer-to-peer fundraising.

AFP Advancement Northwest is now accepting applications for their annual scholarship program for fundraising professionals.

In addition to having your PPP loan converted into grants, there are other ways your organization can receive funding to wade through COVID-19 and our renewed awareness of racial injustice. Take a look at these grant opportunities with deadlines that are either coming up soon or are being offered on a rolling basis.

Reporting work hours have recently taken on new importance now that many nonprofit employees are working from home. The new overtime rules in Washington State also require all employees, including those who are salaried, to track their hours.

As our country deals with COVID-19, shutdowns, the economic downturn, and racial injustice, people are feeling energized to give back to their communities in any way they can. Sometimes this means working on tasks remotely. In other cases, volunteers can be engaged in-person with adequate provisions for social distancing, screening, and cleaning.

Lawmakers are making it easier to convert Payment Protect Program (PPP) loans into grants. Learn how this can be done and how 501 Commons can assist you in applying for loan forgiveness.

In the coming weeks, nonprofits in Washington and Oregon are going to be allowed to resume normal operations and return to the office. While federal, state, and local guidelines should be adhered to whenever possible, you need to establish protocols of your own and communicate these policies clearly to your staff, donors, clients, and volunteers.

As social distancing guidelines continue to affect our ability to gather in large groups, nonprofits are now considering the benefits of mobile fundraising campaigns instead.

Rest easier at night knowing your IT systems are stable and secure by signing up for services from 501 Commons’ Managed IT Services.

As we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdowns, please be alert to fraudulent unemployment claims being filed using your name or the names of your staff members.

Many organizations (sometimes spurred by board members) think they need to use an RFP to select a consultant. In cases of large government funded projects this may be the case.

As our community deals with the coronavirus outbreak and the economic downturn several organizations and government entities are offering nonprofits (as well as small businesses and individuals) grants to help them get back on their feet.