501 Commons

Mission

We all rise when nonprofits thrive. 501 Commons serves nonprofits as experts, innovators, and partners. Our passion is amplifying the strengths of nonprofits - so ALL people and communities flourish.

Description

501 Commons provides nonprofits of all sizes with the support, resources, and expertisethey 2023, we've worked on 900 engagements with 600 organizations, including 40 "by and for" organizations based in BIPOC communities. We have provided these organizations with accounting, data services, human resources, technology, coaching, management consulting, free advisory services, and more.

We had 1000 registrants for our training and leadership development programs. Last 1,500+ organizations participated in GiveBIG and raised nearly $13 million. Overall, 2,000+ organizations benefit from our services annually.

Your contributions make it possible for us to provide services such as:

• Free nonprofit advisory services 
• Management consulting and coaching on a sliding fee scale
• Low-cost quick consults in technology, finance, and HR
• 6 hours of free executive advising
• Affordable learning opportunities for staff, board members, and volunteers
• Our Next Level capacity building and mentorship program, which is free to BIPOC organizations.

Listen to the executive directors talk about the impact of the Next Level program:

Program Highlight:  Cyber security training and consulting

Working with cybersecurity experts in our Executive Service Corps and in the community, we have developed a new program to provide nonprofits with learning opportunities, policy and planning resources, and consulting support to reduce the risk of data breaches, phishing, and network intrusion.

Can you or your company sponsor these critical services?  For more information, contact Kai@501Commons.org

Exec2Exec

In 2021, with the support of 501 Commons Executive Service Corps members and community members, we started Exec2Exec. Nonprofit executives pair up with a trusted advisor in a confidential and safe setting for up to 6 hours to talk through a challenge or try to see an issue from a different perspective.

Lulani Arquette, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation described the value of the Exec2Exec program: "It's sometimes lonely in the CEO position running an organization no matter how long one has been doing the work. Having someone like Jon to listen and confide in was immensely helpful, and his advice was spot on during a critical period of change in our organization."

Stories of Service

Cilia Jurdy, Operations and Development Director, FEEST, about her work with 501 commons to create a Development and Communications Plan and a Quarterly Fundraising Plan: "Thank you! Your generosity enables us to deepen our commitment to young people’s needs and visions for change, strengthening youth power to create a healthier, more equitable future. "

Joy Sebe, Administrative Director, Open Doors for Multicultural Families, expressed gratitude for HR Consultant Chris Carpenter:  "Chris invested the time to learn about our organizational culture and provided HR advice that was culturally responsive and supportive of our highly multicultural staff. He modeled compassionate, servant leadership....while giving us decisive and clear direction." 

Jennifer Boyer, Executive Director, Team Survivor NW, "I wanted you to know that we are so grateful to your support [on a volunteer engagement plan] and we are excited to see the impact of that support as it continues to make its ripple effects through our organization and the greater Seattle community."

35 Years of service to 10,000+ nonprofits 

In 2024, 501 Commons celebrate 35 years of service to Washington State and beyond.  Please make a special tribute gift to celebrate this milestone.

Recognition

We owe immense gratitude to our board of directors, staff of dedicated professionals, and the 570 members of our Executive Service Corps who graciously share their time and talents with nonprofits.