501 Commons

One of the cofounders of Seattle T2P2 and I had a consultation with Kerry Morrison. He talked us through the areas we needed for growth such as databases and more. He was very kind and encouraging.

If 501 Commons didn't exist, a lot of nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest wouldn't have access to the professional assistance they need to achieve their goals. From HR advice to strategic planning to technical help, 501 Commons offers solutions to guide and support small nonprofits. As one of their volunteers, I have worked with numerous organizations on strategic planning and defining their vision and mission. These small organizations are committed to making the Northwest a more humane and better place to live, and 501 Commons is helping to make this possible.

501 Commons is a truly wonderful organization. Serving on the faculty of a graduate business school, I had many opportunities to consult with business organizations over the years but pretty narrow experience with nonprofits. During about the past ten years, I’ve worked with nearly twenty nonprofits (colleges, arts organizations, social service organizations and others) as a 501 Commons volunteer consultant, and during this time, I’ve watched 501 Commons grow from a small, two-staff-member organization to one with more than fifty staff members and a variety of important services for nonprofits throughout its region.

What i’ve done and seen as a 501 Commons volunteer has been truly rewarding. I’ve become part of a talented group of volunteers and acquainted with the many uniquely valuable services that nonprofits provide. With any luck, I’ve also helped some wonderful organizations confront some of their most pressing challenges. I am absolutely certain that the opportunities that 501 Commons has provided have made my life far richer than it otherwise would have been.

I retired from a career in nonprofit management and consulting in 2012. I knew I wanted to stay engaged with, and give back to, the nonprofit community after retirement and 501 Commons has given me the opportunity to do just that. I find the volunteer work I've done for 501 Commons very enjoyable, the projects they have engaged me with are clearly defined and well supported. It feels rewarding to be part of a community of people working to strengthen nonprofits in Washington.

It is a pleasure to volunteer for 501 Commons, a nonprofit service organization which provides exceptional services to other nonprofits. 501 Commons delivers to organizations the skills and tools to produce powerful community impact. Their professional staff offers incredible services directly to nonprofits, and their team also supports hundreds of volunteers who serve 501 Commons' nonprofit clients. The organization's reputation is stellar and, year after year, it continues to expand services successfully. As a volunteer, 501 Commons provides me with exciting opportunities that match my desire to serve. They treat volunteers professionally, and they regularly recognize and acknowledge their volunteers. I refer many nonprofits to 501 Commons with confidence.

I have truly enjoyed volunteering with 501 Commons since retiring from full-time work a few years ago. Their projects allow me to use the skills and expertise gained from my many years in human resources' management. The work schedule is very flexible which allows me to work at home and to easily fit the work into my other activities. The clients are great and they are grateful to receive guidance from professional experts. I highly recommend 501 Commons as a great place for professionals to volunteer.

I retired after many years raising funds for hospitals and universities. 501 Commons has given me a way to use my experience helping small nonprofits as a volunteer consultant. I've learned so much! About the challenges of small organizations, about the amazing work wonderful people are doing everyday, and about how I can be useful. I really enjoy the work and the opportunity to engage with other volunteers. The 501 staff are incredibly helpful and offer a variety of programs to engage volunteers effectively.

501 Commons is an excellent organization that truly meets its mission to help Washington State nonprofits develop sustainable systems and grow. Because of this support, we are able to make a bigger, positive impact on the community. I don't know what I would have done in my last two organizations without the resources provided by 501 Commons.