The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently published revisions to rules governing federal grantmaking to charitable nonprofits (as well as state, local, and Tribal governments) that will go into effect on October 1, 2024.

501 Commons encourages nonprofits to engage in GiveBIG, GivingTuesday, and the year-round Washington Gives program to reconnect with donors amid declining year-end giving trends. We're seeing the largest drop in donors, including those who donate less than $500 (which comprises 80% of donors).

Every quarter, all WA-based employers – including nonprofits! – must complete and file a Paid Family and Medical Leave report and pay premiums. With the launch of WA Cares Fund on July 1, this means additional reporting is required.

Text messaging your supporters can have a lot of benefits for your nonprofit—from boosting donations to strengthening donor relationships—but only if you’re running a legally compliant campaign.

Nonprofits have led the charge on many of the major movements that have changed our country. Whether it’s child labor laws, food regulations, women’s right to vote, racial and LGBTQ equality laws, or employee rights – the nonprofit sector played a substantial role in giving these movements life at the grassroots level.

There’s no better time to lift up the voices of the nonprofit sector than now, especially with the various challenges our communities are facing.

The move to virtual hearings and meetings with legislators in most states has allowed many more nonprofits to be actively engaging in proposing changes to the law and funding to benefit the community.

The federal minimum wage was implemented under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938. The initial purpose of a federal minimum wage was to stabilize America’s post-Depression economy and protect workers in the labor force. In order to protect desperate workers from being exploited, the minimum wage was established to ensure an equal living wage – a fair amount that could provide enough food, clothing, and shelter for a worker and their family.

Thank you to everyone in King County who filled out the Wage & Benefits Survey! The public database will be available on the 501 Commons website later this fall, allowing you to compare wages for various job titles across the sector.

Nonprofits play a vital role in educating the public about policy issues and actions that directly affect our communities. Knowing your advocacy rights – and strategies for effectively conducting advocacy – is crucial to doing it right.