Tools of the Trade
Add tools to your nonprofit toolkit. Access useful websites as well as links to documents related to nonprofit management. The list includes programs operating in support of the nonprofit sector.
Useful Websites:
In 36 state associations across the country, nonprofit organizations
Collaborate to manage and lead more effectively,
Increase their impact in their communities,
Reduce the cost of doing business
Strengthen their collaborative voice on issues that affect their communities as well as their operations
Washington Nonprofits is a state association formed in January 2010 that provides Washington’s 50,000+ nonprofits with better representation in state and federal policy decisions – acting as a knowledgeable resource for elected officials in the process. In 36 state associations across the country, nonprofit organizations collaborate to manage and lead more effectively; increase their impact in their communities; reduce the cost of doing business; and strengthen their collaborative voice on issues that affect their communities as well as their operations.
http://www.washingtonnonprofits.org/
Idealist.org is a project of Action Without Borders, a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 with offices in the United States and Argentina. Idealist is an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives.
http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/FAQ/Nonprofit/Home/default
The Foundation Center provides information on fundraising, identifying possible supporters of your programs, and other financial aspects of nonprofits.
http://foundationcenter.org/
The IRS website is a must for new nonprofits seeking tax exempt status. This IRS information will also be helpful to all registered nonprofit organizations.
http://www.irs.gov/charities/index.html
Nonprofit Jobs provides listings of jobs open with various nonprofits across the country.
http://www.nonprofit-jobs.org/
The National Council on Nonprofits offers resources, networking, and information including tips on grant writing.
http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/
TechSoup is a wonderful resource for all things technological. Check out the section for discount software titles and some hardware available to help nonprofits meet all their technology needs.
http://techsoup.org/
The Online Compendium of NPO Regulations (Federal and State) for U.S. nonprofits provides a central resource for nonprofit organization (NPO) administrators, regulators and the interested public to find information about the laws and regulations controlling NPOs in the U.S.
http://www.muridae.com/nporegulation/
Independent Sector is the nonpartisan coalition offering a leadership forum for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs committed to advancing the common good in America and around the world.
http://www.independentsector.org/
Seattle University Nonprofit Leadership Program (MNPL) is oriented toward working professionals who currently are nonprofit executives or who expect to be in such positions within three years of completing the program.
http://www2.seattleu.edu/artsci/mnpl/
Executive Alliance: Washington State Association of Nonprofit Organizations provides access to an inclusive sector-wide venue that provides a forum for peer support, opportunities to share knowledge, and a structured means to extend members personal and professional networks.
http://www.exec-alliance.org/
Useful Links to Documents:
How to Start a Nonprofit
What are the basic steps to forming a nonprofit corporation and receiving tax-exempt status? (Consider this information as a reference and seek professional assistance on these issues from an attorney, accountant or other professional advisor. It does not constitute an engagement to provide legal, tax, or other professional services on the part of the WCN.)
Philanthropy Northwest - An Assessment of Capacity Building in Washington State
For more detailed information on the nonprofit sector in Washington State, The Giving Practice (TGP) of Philanthropy Northwest, responding to a request from seven Northwest funders, recently completed in December 2009 an assessment of nonprofit capacity-building in Washington State using an innovative “ecosystem” framework for urban and rural communities. This research encompassed an assessment of current capacity building resources in Washington; identification of gaps in the services available; and recommendations for how to address these gaps.
Photo Releases: The Law on Publication of Photographs
There is no area of photography that is more controversial and unsettled among legal and photography professionals than the issue of when releases are required. Find out more here.
Nonprofit Resources at the Bellingham Library
The Bellingham Public Library provides a comprehensive collection of resources on subjects of nonprofit management, nonprofit marketing, grant seeking and proposal writing, fundraising, working for a nonprofits, philanthropy, and additional references. A Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center. FMI: www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org (List updated August 2008)
Useful Websites for your Craft:
StockXchang.com - Free Stock Photos for your presentations, publicity pieces, and other visuals. Very easy to download photos and some clip art.
http://www.sxc.hu/home