Nonprofit & Charity Resources | WA Secretary of State
Source: https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/nonprofits-charities/nonprofit-charity-resources
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Nonprofit & Charity Resources | WA Secretary of State
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Notification:
The Corporations and Charities Division’s Eastern Regional Branch In-Person services hours will be changing effective April 1
st
, 2026.
Visit our Contact Us page for the most up-to-date operating hours
.
[POSTED 03/26/2026]
Nonprofit & Charity Resources
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Image
NAWA Website
View Upcoming NAWA Events
Visit their Learning Library
Read more about the NAWA Resource
The
Nonprofit Association of Washington
(
NAWA
) convenes a powerful network of nonprofit organizations across Washington State to learn, advocate, and collaborate, so that nonprofits can achieve their missions. NAWA has learning opportunities and resources to help strengthen your nonprofit management practices and build connections with others around the state.
Image
NAN Website
View Upcoming NAN Events
Visit their Learning Network Page
Read more about the NAN Resource
Native Action Network
(
NAN
) is a nonprofit organized to promote Native women’s full representation, participation, and leadership in local, state, tribal, and national affairs. NAN achieves this by hosting intergenerational leadership forums, youth academies, 10-month Legacy of Leadership cohorts, leadership luncheons, nonprofit capacity building workshops, as well as other community development and civic participation activities. All of NAN’s programming and resources are intended to empower Native women of all ages.
Image
Communities Rise Website
View Upcoming Communities Rise Events
Read more about Communities Rise
Communities Rise
works with organizations, small businesses and communities located in Washington state that have been impacted by systemic oppression to increase capacity and build power. Recognizing the strength and resilience in our communities and offering support through peer learning, coaching, and legal services and training. To create systemic change, they also work with community leaders in the broad nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors.
Image
501 Commons Website
View Upcoming 501 Commons Events
Read more about 501 Commons
501 Commons
provides expertise to nonprofits through 30+ services, including a full range of management consulting; technology consulting (IT planning and database development); outsourced HR, accounting, IT infrastructure, and database management services; professional development and board training; and free advisory services.
About the 501 Commons Nonprofit Resource Directory
The
Nonprofit Resource Directory
is a directory Nonprofits can use to find nonprofit consultants, best practices, and many more free resources.
Nonprofit Resource Directory - Online Resource
Image
Nonprofit Handbook - Online Resource
Read more about the Nonprofit Handbook Resource
The
Nonprofit Handbook
contains essential information about the laws affecting nonprofit organizations in Washington. This handbook is not intended to serve as legal advice, which involves applying laws to specific individuals and organizations based on their unique circumstances. It is highly recommended that individuals consult with an attorney to obtain legal advice tailored to your organization.
This handbook is available for download and printing from the websites of Communities Rise (
www.communities-rise.org
), the Nonprofit Association of Washington (
www.nonprofitwa.org
)
Image
Charity & Nonprofit Quick Guide for Board Service - Online Resource
Read more about the Quick Guide for Board Service Resource
The
Quick Guide for Board Service
is meant as reference tool to assist board members in the performance of their duties. It is not meant to prescribe behaviors, nor does it contain the entirety of provisions, exceptions, limitations, or requirements of the law.
For the exact requirements of the law, please refer to the source of the law itself. Many of the guidelines in this publication are taken from the
Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act
, located in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 24.03A.
Image
Starting a Nonprofit in WA State - Online Resource
Read more about the Starting a Nonprofit Resource
The
Starting a Nonprofit in Washington State
guide helps you and your team consider the impact you want to make and the best way to achieve your goals. It walks you through key decisions to determine if becoming a charity is the right move. If you choose to proceed, the guide and the Washington Nonprofit Handbook offer essential operating and compliance details. The guide provides high-level information about starting a nonprofit and points to more in-depth resources. It’s intended for general use and not tailored to specific organizations or individuals. It covers laws affecting nonprofits in Washington State, but legal information isn't the same as legal advice. Consulting an attorney for organization-specific legal interpretation is recommended.
Image
Dissolving a Nonprofit in WA State - Online Resource
Read more about the Dissolving a Nonprofit Resource
The
Dissolving a Nonprofit in Washington State
guide takes you through the decision-making and actions involved in closing down a nonprofit organization. The guide provides guidance on the key compliance steps as well as information on how to manage communication and community outreach in a way that honors your nonprofit’s legacy. This resource represents a distillation of knowledge, experience, and research from nonprofit leaders, people who have experience dissolving nonprofits, lawyers, and capacity builders.
Other Resources
Board Source
Board Source is an organization dedicated to strengthening nonprofit board leadership and governance.
Board Source website
Independent Sector
Independent Sector is a national membership organization that connects, strengthens, and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropies.
Independent Sector website
Life Cycle of a Charity
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides a resource called "Life cycle of a Charity".
Life cycle of a Charity - Online Resource
National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO)
The
National Association of State Charity Officials
(NASCO) is an association of state charity officials, including state Attorneys General offices, Secretaries of State offices, Department of Justice offices, and other state offices charged with preventing the misuse of charitable assets, ensuring that trustees of charitable trusts fulfill their fiduciary duties, and enabling donors to make informed choices about which charitable causes to support. State charity regulators have been working together toward shared goals through NASCO for over 40 years. One of those key goals is to uphold the integrity of the charitable sector through ensuring transparency and accountability.
National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) Website
Nonprofit Risk Management Center
The Nonprofit Risk Management Center
(NRMC) empowers nonprofit teams to understand and navigate risk through creative educational resources, coaching, and tailored guidance. As thought leaders in nonprofit risk, they bring optimism and clarity to the complex challenges organizations face, helping them build sustainable and confident risk management practices. As a nonprofit serving nonprofits, NRMC supports a diverse range of mission-driven organizations, from local charities to global NGOs, by making risk management relevant, engaging, and impactful.
Nonprofit Risk Management Center Website
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Skip to main content
Notification:
The Corporations and Charities Division’s Eastern Regional Branch In-Person services hours will be changing effective April 1
st
, 2026.
Visit our Contact Us page for the most up-to-date operating hours
.
[POSTED 03/26/2026]
Nonprofit & Charity Resources
OSOS Home
Corporations & Charities
Nonprofits & Charities
Nonprofit & Charity Resources
Image
NAWA Website
View Upcoming NAWA Events
Visit their Learning Library
Read more about the NAWA Resource
The
Nonprofit Association of Washington
(
NAWA
) convenes a powerful network of nonprofit organizations across Washington State to learn, advocate, and collaborate, so that nonprofits can achieve their missions. NAWA has learning opportunities and resources to help strengthen your nonprofit management practices and build connections with others around the state.
Image
NAN Website
View Upcoming NAN Events
Visit their Learning Network Page
Read more about the NAN Resource
Native Action Network
(
NAN
) is a nonprofit organized to promote Native women’s full representation, participation, and leadership in local, state, tribal, and national affairs. NAN achieves this by hosting intergenerational leadership forums, youth academies, 10-month Legacy of Leadership cohorts, leadership luncheons, nonprofit capacity building workshops, as well as other community development and civic participation activities. All of NAN’s programming and resources are intended to empower Native women of all ages.
Image
Communities Rise Website
View Upcoming Communities Rise Events
Read more about Communities Rise
Communities Rise
works with organizations, small businesses and communities located in Washington state that have been impacted by systemic oppression to increase capacity and build power. Recognizing the strength and resilience in our communities and offering support through peer learning, coaching, and legal services and training. To create systemic change, they also work with community leaders in the broad nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors.
Image
501 Commons Website
View Upcoming 501 Commons Events
Read more about 501 Commons
501 Commons
provides expertise to nonprofits through 30+ services, including a full range of management consulting; technology consulting (IT planning and database development); outsourced HR, accounting, IT infrastructure, and database management services; professional development and board training; and free advisory services.
About the 501 Commons Nonprofit Resource Directory
The
Nonprofit Resource Directory
is a directory Nonprofits can use to find nonprofit consultants, best practices, and many more free resources.
Nonprofit Resource Directory - Online Resource
Image
Nonprofit Handbook - Online Resource
Read more about the Nonprofit Handbook Resource
The
Nonprofit Handbook
contains essential information about the laws affecting nonprofit organizations in Washington. This handbook is not intended to serve as legal advice, which involves applying laws to specific individuals and organizations based on their unique circumstances. It is highly recommended that individuals consult with an attorney to obtain legal advice tailored to your organization.
This handbook is available for download and printing from the websites of Communities Rise (
www.communities-rise.org
), the Nonprofit Association of Washington (
www.nonprofitwa.org
)
Image
Charity & Nonprofit Quick Guide for Board Service - Online Resource
Read more about the Quick Guide for Board Service Resource
The
Quick Guide for Board Service
is meant as reference tool to assist board members in the performance of their duties. It is not meant to prescribe behaviors, nor does it contain the entirety of provisions, exceptions, limitations, or requirements of the law.
For the exact requirements of the law, please refer to the source of the law itself. Many of the guidelines in this publication are taken from the
Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act
, located in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 24.03A.
Image
Starting a Nonprofit in WA State - Online Resource
Read more about the Starting a Nonprofit Resource
The
Starting a Nonprofit in Washington State
guide helps you and your team consider the impact you want to make and the best way to achieve your goals. It walks you through key decisions to determine if becoming a charity is the right move. If you choose to proceed, the guide and the Washington Nonprofit Handbook offer essential operating and compliance details. The guide provides high-level information about starting a nonprofit and points to more in-depth resources. It’s intended for general use and not tailored to specific organizations or individuals. It covers laws affecting nonprofits in Washington State, but legal information isn't the same as legal advice. Consulting an attorney for organization-specific legal interpretation is recommended.
Image
Dissolving a Nonprofit in WA State - Online Resource
Read more about the Dissolving a Nonprofit Resource
The
Dissolving a Nonprofit in Washington State
guide takes you through the decision-making and actions involved in closing down a nonprofit organization. The guide provides guidance on the key compliance steps as well as information on how to manage communication and community outreach in a way that honors your nonprofit’s legacy. This resource represents a distillation of knowledge, experience, and research from nonprofit leaders, people who have experience dissolving nonprofits, lawyers, and capacity builders.
Other Resources
Board Source
Board Source is an organization dedicated to strengthening nonprofit board leadership and governance.
Board Source website
Independent Sector
Independent Sector is a national membership organization that connects, strengthens, and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropies.
Independent Sector website
Life Cycle of a Charity
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides a resource called "Life cycle of a Charity".
Life cycle of a Charity - Online Resource
National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO)
The
National Association of State Charity Officials
(NASCO) is an association of state charity officials, including state Attorneys General offices, Secretaries of State offices, Department of Justice offices, and other state offices charged with preventing the misuse of charitable assets, ensuring that trustees of charitable trusts fulfill their fiduciary duties, and enabling donors to make informed choices about which charitable causes to support. State charity regulators have been working together toward shared goals through NASCO for over 40 years. One of those key goals is to uphold the integrity of the charitable sector through ensuring transparency and accountability.
National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) Website
Nonprofit Risk Management Center
The Nonprofit Risk Management Center
(NRMC) empowers nonprofit teams to understand and navigate risk through creative educational resources, coaching, and tailored guidance. As thought leaders in nonprofit risk, they bring optimism and clarity to the complex challenges organizations face, helping them build sustainable and confident risk management practices. As a nonprofit serving nonprofits, NRMC supports a diverse range of mission-driven organizations, from local charities to global NGOs, by making risk management relevant, engaging, and impactful.
Nonprofit Risk Management Center Website
Home
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Business Entities
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Limited Liability Companies
Return a Business to Active Status
Limited Liability Company (LLC) & Professional LLC (PLLC) Filing Resource Page
Maintain Business Compliance
Registered Agents
Annual Reports
Period of Duration
Online Filing Instructions
Close a Corporation Online
Close an LLC, PLLC, LP, LLP, LLLP Online
File an Annual Report (Multiple Entity Tpyes) Online
File an Annual Report (Nonprofit 24.03A Only) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Company (LLC) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Professional Service Corporation Online
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Profit Corporation Online
Reinstate a LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online
Reinstate a Nonprofit Miscellaneous & Mutual Corporation Online
Reinstate a Nonprofit or Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online
Requalify an LLC, PLLC, Profit or Professional Service Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) LP or LLLP Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Nonprofit Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Nonprofit Professional Service Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Corporation (PLLC) Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Professional Limited Liability Partnership (PLLP) Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Profit Professional Service Corporation Online
Start a Domestic (WA) Social Purpose Corporation Online
Submit an Amended Annual Report (All Entity Types) Online
Submit an Initial Report (All Entity Types except NPs) Online
Ownership
Start or Register a Business
Register a Foreign (Non-WA) Business
Start a Domestic (WA) Business
Steps after Registration with the Secretary of State
Update Business Information
Voluntary Business Closure: Dissolution or Withdrawal
Nonprofits & Charities
Organization Search
Nonprofits
Download Forms
2022 Nonprofit Law and Process Changes
Charities
All Forms
Disclosure Requirements
Commercial Fundraisers
Fee Schedule for Commercial Fundraisers
Want to Renew Your Commercial Fundraiser Registration Early?
Charitable Trusts
Fee Schedule for Charitable Trusts
Information for Donors
Resources for Donors
Frequently Asked Questions by Donors
Storefront Solicitors- Where does your donation go?
National "Do Not Call" Registry
Reducing Unwanted Telephone Solicitations and Junk Mail
Assured Giving
Commercial Fundraiser Activity Reports
To File a Complaint
Nonprofit & Charity Resources
Apostilles Program
Apostilles Frequently Asked Questions
Apostille and Certificate Authenticity Search
Contact Information and Location - Apostilles
Additional Services
Service of Process/Summons and Complaint
Trademarks
Domestic Partnerships
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