Washington State is home to more than 50,000 nonprofits. They are tackling problems we all want addressed like hunger, youth suicide, and domestic violence; economic development, water policy, or emergency services; drop-out prevention, stronger reading skills, and college access. The staff, boards, and volunteers in these organizations are working hard but there is tremendous untapped potential in our nonprofits.
The Problem
Because most of the funding available to nonprofits can only be used for programs, even large nonprofits have extremely limited budgets for planning, board development, operational improvement, and basic HR, technology, and financial systems. How can we unleashing their potential to make the world a better place unless we provide nonprofits with affordable access to the skills and tools necessary to overcome operational and governance barriers and grow effective programs?
The Solution
In Washington State, individuals, foundations, corporations, and government have come together to surmount this problem by supporting 501 Commons. 501 Commons is a "management service organization,” a comprehensive consulting and service resource with capacity to deliver the help needed by the region’s entire non-profit community.
Services include comprehensive and affordable technology and business management consulting services; leadership coaching and executive advising; and ongoing human resources, tech support and financial services; The organization also connects nonprofits to other skilled consultants, specialists, tools and best practices.
These skills and services are traditionally very expensive, beyond the budget of many non-profits that need them the most. 501 Commons makes many of its services affordable by deploying volunteer executives and professional consultants, by creating innovative low-cost programs, and by raising funds from foundations, government, business and individuals.
The result is a single, comprehensive, powerful resource for anyone seeking answers, support and services to help a non-profit become a more effective, sustainable organization.
One Gift Benefits Hundreds of Nonprofits
Please support nonprofits in our state through a generous gift to 501 Commons. The impact of your contribution will ripple throughout our community. Through one donation, you are helping hundreds of nonprofits each year.
Your support will allow nonprofits to:
- Work with a leadership coach or executive advisor
- Get instant help from our Information & Referral program staff
- Find service providers, such as accountants, lawyers, and consultants who specialize in working with nonprofits
- Access customized consulting services for help with emergency, strategic, and technology planning; board development; and many other management areas
- Contract with us for ongoing financial, human resource, and technology services
Ways to Invest
If you have questions about making a donation, or would like to make an in-kind gift, please contact Nancy Long at nancy@501commons.org.
Credit card
Make a safe and secure online donation using your credit card. Click here to get started.
Mail your gift
Send your check payable to 501 Commons (no cash, please) to our office at Pacific Tower, Suite 1101, 1200 12th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144-2712. Please note "Donation" on the check.
Automatic bank withdrawal
Set up a one-time or recurring electronic funds transfer (EFT) donation from your checking or savings account. Giving via EFT is secure, convenient, and helps us to keep our administrative costs down.
Planned giving
To include 501 Commons in your estate plan or trust, or to make a gift of stock, please contact Nancy Long at nancy@501commons.org.
Why is 501 Commons not listed on Charity Navigator?
Because Charity Navigator’s goal is to help individual givers, they only evaluate charities that depend on support from individual givers. Organizations have to have a minimum of $500,000 from individuals annually to be listed. 501 Commons generates a significant part of our revenue from fees we charge for our programs and services and does not have $500,000 in donations from individuals each year so we do not qualify to be evaluated by Charity Navigator.
You can look up financial information about 501 Commons on Guidestar and also on our Financials page.