Tools of the Trade
If you wish to add tools to your nonprofit toolkit, find information on how to start a nonprofit, collect data about the contribution of the nonprofit sector or locate useful websites for your nonprofit to use, you are in the right place!
- Access useful websites of organizations operating in support of the nonprofit sector.
- Find links to documents related to nonprofit management.
- A list of Additional Resources for Nonprofits.
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 including how to find and arrange a fiscal sponsorship for projects lacking 501(c)(3) status.
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/
Reports or Documents regarding Value of the Nonprofit Sector
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.
Philanthropy Northwest - An Assessment of Capacity Building in Washington State
The Importance of the Nonprofit Sector
This document represents a summary regarding what the nonprofit sector is and what its role, size and scope is in Whatcom County. It is a companion document to Whatcom County's Nonprofit Sector - A Profile of Activities and Finances.
The Importance of the Nonprofit Sector
Whatcom County's Nonprofit Sector - A Profile of Activities and Finances
This Profile of Activities and Finances of the nonprofit sector in Whatcom County was submitted to Whatcom Community Foundation and the Whatcom Council of Nonprofits by Paul Schissler Associates, Inc and the Institute for Northwest Community Advancement in July 2000. Whatcom County communities benefit from a diverse mixture of nonprofit organizations. The report addresses several questions: What constitutes Whatcom County’s nonprofit sector and how can it be classified? What does the nonprofit sector contribute to our community? Specifically, what services and activities does the nonprofit sector provide that enhance the quality of life in Whatcom County? How large is the nonprofit sector and how does it affect the local economy? What are the relationships between government, business, the community-at-large, and nonprofits, and how can they be improved? It concludes with a Summary of Recommendations.
Whatcom County’s Nonprofit Sector - A Profile of Activities and Finances
Building the Capacity of the Nonprofit Sector in Whatcom County
This document was shared during a Whatcom County Nonprofit Forum in Bellingham on October 28, 1998 by author Jon Pratt, Executive Director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. It covers history and trends for nonprofits and six challenges (threats and pitfalls) facing nonprofit organizations throughout the US. It also addresses areas for joint action. Building the Capacity of the Nonprofit Sector in Whatcom County
Documents on Starting a Nonprofit and Nonprofit Management:
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.)
How to Start a Nonprofit
How to Start a Nonprofit - Sample Articles of Incorporation
How to Start a Nonprofit - Sample Form
Best Practices for Executive Directors and Boards of Nonprofit Organizations
The following document on best practices was developed from a highly-successful training program called MATRIX* that was conducted in 1999 and 2000 for 12 youth-serving agencies in Whatcom County. Funding for the program was provided by the Stuart Foundation and administered through Whatcom Community Foundation. In an effort to extend the reach and effectiveness of the MATRIX program, the Whatcom Council for Nonprofits has adopted this enhanced version of the MATRIX best practices as the foundation of our technical assistance program planning. WCN encourages Whatcom County nonprofits to use this document as a tool in strategic planning and evaluation of their organizations.
Best Practices for Executive Directors and Boards of Nonprofit Organizations
Additional Resources for Nonprofits:
Bellingham Mt. Baker Tourism
Find the perfect space for your nonprofit event. The Bellingham Mt. Baker Meeting Planning Guide provides a comprehensive list of spaces in Bellingham area that are available to rent.
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)
StockXchang.com
Free Stock Photos for your presentations, publicity pieces, and other visuals. Very easy to download photos and clip art.
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.