Starting a Nonprofit

by | Feb 7, 2023

Two hand lifting up a heart with the state of Washington in it.

Starting a Nonprofit invites you and your group to think about the difference you seek to make and the ideal structure to move forward. The guide leads you through key decision-making points to assess whether a nonprofit is the best way to accomplish your goals. If you decide to move forward with starting a nonprofit, the guide, along with the Washington Nonprofit Handbook, provides information around compliance and practices that support becoming an operational organization.

Two hand lifting up a heart with the state of Washington in it.
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What We Cover in Starting a Nonprofit

Part 1: Exploring What You Need to Know

If you are thinking about starting a nonprofit, there are several big ideas to explore before moving forward.

Part 2: Making Your Decision

Once you know more about setting up and operating a nonprofit, you are ready to decide whether to start a nonprofit organization.

Part 3: Starting a Nonprofit

There are several key areas to consider as you begin the actual work of starting a nonprofit organization.
Starting a Nonprofit in Washington State Guide

Starting a Nonprofit Guide

The Starting a Nonprofit Guide includes information, checklists, activities, and reflection questions to help you on your journey. Find templates and other documents to supplement what you learned in the document vault. 

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Starting a Nonprofit Video

The Starting a Nonprofit video provides some basic educational information that can help you decide if starting a nonprofit is right for you. The video is available in English and Spanish. 

Starting a Nonprofit video transcript

Transcripción de video: Iniciar una organización sin fines

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Check out these documents and templates to deepen your learning and help put what you learned into practice. Not finding what you are looking for? Try searching the whole learning library. 

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More Resources

Internal Revenue Service

Washington State Office of the Secretary of State Corporations and Charities Division

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Boards in Gear

Boards in Gear logo, with Washington state behind it, circled by the 5 pieces of the curriculum.

View Boards in Gear Toolkit

Let's Go Legal

Let's Go Legal! The right road to compliance and protection

View Let's Go Legal Toolkit

Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits

Finance Unlocked For Nonprofits Logo. Balance Sheet. Income Statement. Nine-Ninety. Giving. Oversight.

View Finance Unlocked Toolkit
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 Starting a Nonprofit, we suggest that you contact the appropriate agency or seek professional advice. Also, laws impacting nonprofit organizations change over time. The information contained in this guide may become out of date.