News Releases
Additional information regarding recent press releases involving charitable organizations
and commercial fundraisers operating in Washington State.
Legal and Administrative Actions
Additional information regarding court actions and agreements filed by the Washington
State Attorney General’s Office against organizations or individuals believed to
have violated the Charitable Solicitations Act.
October 2, 2009
Fresh Start Opportunities
Reeks of Scam
The Charitable Trust Program registers individuals and organizations that are holding assets in Washington State in trust for a charitable purpose. The assets are invested for income-producing purposes. The income is then designated and distributed for a charitable purpose according to the terms and conditions of the trust agreement.
Registrations pursuant to the Charitable Solicitation and Trust Acts are separate from and in addition to corporate filing requirements. For additional information or forms to incorporate, please contact the Corporations Division by calling (360) 725-0377 or visit the Corporations Web page.
Need help to find an opportunity to complement your passion? Volunteer opportunities are endless around Washington State! Follow the links below to find your one thing:
Volunteer Centers of Washington: http://www.volunteerwashington.org
Washington Registered Charities: http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/search.aspx
One single action – one step at a time.
Take the survey »
Public Presentations
Designed for Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations! Learn from the Secretary of State and the Department of Revenue about:
- How to form a nonprofit and keep it current
- When to file with the Charities Program
- What's new with registration and reporting requirements
Scheduled Trainings
- December 17, 2009 - Olympia, General Administration Auditorium, 6:00-8:00
pm - view flyer
- January 28, 2010 - Bellevue, Bellevue Library, 6:00-8:00 pm
- view flyer
- February 23, 2010 - Mt. Vernon, Location and Time TBD
- March 25, 2010 - Spokane area, Location and Time TBD
Free admission and no registration is required. First come, first served.
The Charities Program is changing the way it issues its renewal reminders! Charitable organizations will now be notified of the need to renew their registration by postcard, rather than by letter. The postcards will be mailed approximately 60 days prior to the registration expiration date.
Don't whip out your checkbook to donate to the recent relief effort in the devastated Samoan islands without first checking out who you are giving money to.
The Attorney General's Office warns consumers about a company selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door in Washington and other states. Fresh Start Opportunities claims that money will be used to help young people get a "fresh start on life" but the company isn't a registered charity. MORE
Extension Request Are No Longer Required in Washington State!
Due to an extremely high volume of extension requests, organizations are no longer required to submit an extension request to the Washington State Charities and Trust Programs. MORE
If you intend to apply for IRS federal tax exemption as a charitable organization, your articles of incorporation must contain a required purposed clause and dissolution of assets provision.
Valuable information on 501(c)(3) qualification is on the IRS website, www.irs.gov. It includes sample articles of the incorporation.
Give, but Give Wisely
View the public service announcement airing on local television stations.
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Location: Dolliver Building
801 Capitol Way South
Olympia
Parking is available behind the building which is accessible from Talcott Ave. View Map »
Email: charities@secstate.wa.gov
Mail: PO Box 40234
OLYMPIA WA 98504-0234
Telephone: (360) 725-0378
Toll-Free: (800) 332-GIVE (Washington only)
