Nonprofit Services

​​​​​Nonprofit organizations must register with the Secretary of State. The Department of Justice regulates charitable activities in Oregon. You may also need to register with them.

Getting Started

​​Before registering your business, you need to choose a business name. Use the Oregon Secretary of State's Business Name Search Tool​ to narrow the choices.​​


​State

Nonprofit corporations must register and renew annually with the Secretary of State Corporation Division. To register a new nonprofit corporation, use the Articles of Incorporation form or register online for faster service. Visit Starting a Business for information about requirements for new businesses, including nonprofit corporations.

Local

Many cities and counties require registration or licensing for individuals and firms conducting business in their jurisdiction. Consult your local county and city clerks for requirements. You can also search the License Directory​.​

Internal Revenue Service forms and information: 

​​​The Oregon Department of Revenue has tax registration informat​ion for nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations​, including cooperatives and homeowners associations​. 

If you live in the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District (TriMet) or the Lane County Transit District, you will need to file and pay for transportation taxes.​ See mass transit payroll/excise tax​ from the Department of Revenue.​​​



  • If you will have employees, use the Oregon Employer's Guide​ for Unemployment insurance and Workers' Compensation requirements. 
  • State licensing boards may require certain types of insurance for specific professions. Consult your licensing and permitting board.

Other Insurance Resources

NAIC Insurance for Small Business

​Small Business Administration’s Tips for Business Insurance​



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Getting Support

​​The Nonprofit Association of Oregon​ is the s​tatewide membership organization providing nonprofit sector support.​


​The Nonprofit Institute at Portland State University​ works to meet the needs of nonprofits.​​


​​Complete your own nonprofit research requests​, free of charge.

​The Better Business B​ureau, Wise Giving Alliance offers guidance on making informed giving decisions, tips publications and the quarterly Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide​​.​


​BoardSource​​ is dedicated t​o building stronger nonprofit boards of directors.​

​Find informa​tion for and about nonprofit organizations at Propel Nonprofits.

​​Nonprofit o​rganizations are both a recipient of Small Business Administration​ (SBA)​ services and a partner with the SBA in serving the small business community.​


The People’s Nonprofit Accelerator​ (The Accelerator), formerly Willamette Valley Development Professionals (WVDO), provides affordable and accessible, education and training for the nonprofit sector seeking support in fundraising, executive leadership, board development, and personnel management.​

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Helpful Guides from DOJ

Starting a Charity in Oregon 

A Guide for Board Members

Statutes and Rules Governing Nonprofits​​​

Annual reporting requirements for charities​

Closing and Dissolving a Charity​

Start a Busines​s Video Series

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Step-by-step guide for starting a business

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