For information on the new Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act please click here.  See our COVID-19 Support Page for more info and resources.

Nonprofit and Community-Based Organizations Services

To help strengthen your capacity, everything we offer builds upon skills that you and in your organization already hold. We help you meet critical organizational needs and provide you with tools and trainings that build skills and support your organization’s long-term health. We offer a range of services, including trainings, clinic opportunities, and cohort models of support.

Our aim is that you will feel connected and supported to take on the challenges involved in building power in your community. Together, over time, we’ll begin to transform our communities, as well as the nonprofit, microenterprise, public, and philanthropic sectors.

While we would love to assist everyone, please note our services are intended for 501c3 and 501c4 Washington state based nonprofits and community based organizations. See our resources page for helpful links.

Four people meeting for small group discussion at workshop

COVID-19 Related Support

Communities Rise is providing a range of legal and capacity building resources and support to Washington based nonprofits, community based organizations and small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

COVID-19 Legal Clinic for Nonprofits and Small Businesses is a virtual clinic designed to assist navigating the legal issues experienced due to COVID-19. Learn more and fill out an intake form.

With a lot in flux right now, we are providing additional support in many ways to nonprofits, community based organizations and small business. See our COVID-19 Resource page for more information.

Large posed group photo of 20+ members of Capacity Building Cohort in front of office

Organizational Support Cohorts

Members of our peer groups, which we call cohorts, collaborate with leaders from other community organizations in a space where they can be seen, heard, and supported to achieve their goals.

Together, we engage in peer learning, culturally responsive trainings, and individualized coaching to strengthen organizations. All cohorts are by application only.

Learn about and apply for our Capacity Building Cohorts and see dates for info sessions on our upcoming events page!

Attorney and client at Day of Caring Legal Clinic

Legal Clinics & Direct Representation

We serve Washington state organizations by offering opportunities to receive much needed legal assistance. Organizations can access legal services via the two options below:

Legal clinics offer an opportunity to speak with an attorney to answer general nonprofit questions. See more information about attending our legal clinics and our legal clinic FAQ.

Update April 2022: the Legal Team at CR is pausing providing direct legal services to nonprofits. We hope to resume direct legal services in the second half of 2022. Legal clinics will not be impacted by the pause. We thank you for your patience and understanding as the Legal Team takes time to heal and focus on the evolving nature of our work.

Direct legal services provide in-depth assistance on a variety of nonprofit matters including governance, bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, contracts, and conflict of interest policies. Apply for direct legal services.

Learn more about our nonprofit legal services.

Facilitator in front of flip chart paper for social justice training

Learning Opportunities

Get information to help manage your nonprofit or small business through trainings, webinars, and educational materials.

Find upcoming trainings about legal issues and governance for nonprofits and small businesses.

Use our free nonprofit legal templates and toolkits.

Clients and attorney meeting for a consultation

Grant writing and Fundraising Assistance

Get individualized support from experienced grant writers and fundraising professionals at one of our free monthly clinics to secure the funding you need to do you work. Discuss the grant writing process, understand the best practices in finding grants or planning fundraising events, or go over a draft document or plan.

See upcoming grant writing clinics.