Nonprofit Association of Washington

We convene a powerful network of nonprofit organizations across Washington State to learn, advocate, and collaborate, so that nonprofits can achieve their missions.
The Next Thirty Years, Washington State Nonprofit Conference

Washington State
Nonprofit Conference

The 2025 Washington State Nonprofit Conference festivities are now complete. Thank you to everyone who attended virtually and in-person across the state. We cannot wait to share details with you about the 2026 Conference!

Membership in NAWA

Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) is a membership organization. Being a member of NAWA makes your organization stronger, and your dues and active involvement make our shared work possible.

NAWA is a tireless advocate for the nonprofit sector and is trusted by legislators and nonprofits around the state. We provide crucial trainings, materials, and other learning opportunities to expand the skills and knowledge of you and your team. NAWA is also a reliable resource for best practices for nonprofits and our expansive member discount programs will save your organization time and money. Join today and take advantage of all of these member benefits!

Upcoming Events

Whether you are a nonprofit staff member, board member, Executive Director, or volunteer, NAWA has events for you! We offer over 150 learning and networking opportunities a year to help you gain the knowledge, skills, and connections you and your organization need to succeed. Register for an upcoming event today!

Nonprofit FAQs

Have a question about your nonprofit? NAWA is here to help! Chose your question below for specific information and resources. For more resources, make sure to check out our Learning Library and visit our Event Calendar to see upcoming learning events.

Important Note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or technical advice. If you are unsure about anything covered in this Nonprofit FAQ section, we suggest that you contact the appropriate agency or seek professional advice.

General questions about running a nonprofit?

Our Nonprofit Fundamental series is a collection of online guides focused on different topics. They are designed to strengthen your organization’s performance and decision-making. If you prefer, we also offer in-person and virtual trainings on these topics. Information about these trainings can be found on our Nonprofits Fundamentals page or on our Event Calendar.

Check out the guides:

How do I start a nonprofit?

Here are some resources from both NAWA and our partners:

  • Our Starting a Nonprofit guide invites you and your group to think about the difference you seek to make and the ideal structure to move forward.
  • If you decide to move forward with starting a nonprofit, the Starting a Nonprofit guide, along with the Washington Nonprofit Handbook, provides information around compliance and practices that support becoming an operational organization.
  • The National Council of Nonprofits has their own guide on how to start a nonprofit.
  • Communities Rise offers monthly legal clinics for Washington nonprofits who would not otherwise have access to legal services. Types of legal issues addressed at clinics may include general questions about incorporation and federal tax-exempt status under IRS Code sec. 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)
  • Want to convert an LLC to a nonprofit? The Washington Office of the Secretary of State has information to do business entity conversion.
How do I dissolve my nonprofit?

Here are some resources by both NAWA and our partners:

  • Our Dissolving a Nonprofit 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.
  • If you decide to move forward with dissoving, the Washington Nonprofit Handbook provides information around compliance and practices that support dissolving your organization.
  • AHR or Finance Quick Consult with 501 Commons may be a good option to discuss specific items related to dissolution.
  • The National Council of Nonprofits has their own guide on how to dissolve a nonprofit.
    Looking for a professional service or 1:1 advice for your nonprofit?

    For consultants or other specialty services:

    Does NAWA offer fiscal sponsorship?

    NAWA does not currently offer fiscal sponsorships.

    Questions about fiscal sponsorship? Please review the Fiscal Sponsorship Toolkit by Communities of Opportunity and Communities Rise and the Fiscal Sponsorship Guide by the National Council of Nonprofits.

    Below is a list of organizations that may offer fiscal sponsorship:

    How do I register for an event?

    Here are the steps to register for a NAWA learning event:

    • Navigate to the event you would like to attend through our Events Calendar.
    • Click the plus sign in the tickets box to add tickets to your cart.
    • A button that says “get tickets” will appear once you have added one or more tickets. Click on this button to continue to check out.
    • The first page will have you enter the attendee information for the person or people attending the event.
    • If applicable, the next page will collect billing information. On this page, you have the opportunity to enter a coupon code. For events where there are discount codes available for NAWA Members, those codes can be found on the Member Resources Page.
    • Once registered, you will receive an order confirmation email to the billing email address, and each attendee will receive a ticket email. Check your Spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
    • You may also watch a video tutorial if you prefer a visual aid or reference our Event Registration FAQ page.
    Want to advertise your company or event?

    If you want to raise awareness for your company:

    If you want to advertise in our monthly newsletter:

    Have a specific question that wasn’t answered above?

    If you are a member of NAWA, please reach out to [email protected]. NAWA members have access to a complimentary 15-minute consultation with a NAWA staff person about specific nonprofit questions. Not a member? Learn how to become a member.

    For other questions, reach out to [email protected].

    Newsletter sign up

    Sign up to receive NAWA’s monthly e-newsletter, The Connector, and our emails filled with upcoming trainings, valuable networking opportunities, and important policy updates.

    News

    Stay up to date with the latest news from Nonprofit Association of Washington.

    The Connector Newsletter | July 2025

    The Connector Newsletter | July 2025

    From expert advice on cleaning up your books to sweeping state tax changes every nonprofit should know, this issue is ...
    What We’ve Learned Helping Nonprofits Clean Up Their Books

    What We’ve Learned Helping Nonprofits Clean Up Their Books

    Running a nonprofit takes courage. You’re not just managing programs or raising funds. You’re showing up every day for ...
    Is a Nonprofit Career Right for You? A Guide for Job Seekers

    Is a Nonprofit Career Right for You? A Guide for Job Seekers

    What if your next job didn’t just pay the bills—but actually felt like it mattered? If you're in the middle of a job ...
    No results found.

    Nonprofit Association of Washington works within the unceded territories of many Northwest Native nations across what is now Washington State. Our main office in Seattle is on the traditional land of the Duwamish Tribe and other Coast Salish nations. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the Native Peoples past and present who call it home.