Nonprofit Services

Research Oregon Nonprofit Data
Complete your own nonprofit research requests, free of charge.

Review Oregon Nonprofit Law
Oregon Department of Justice provides current Oregon statutes and administrative rules specific to nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofit Business Wizard
Use this Business Wizard fast path to show general referrals specific to nonprofit corporations. If you need more specific information, please try our full Business Wizard interview.

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

Department of Justice, Charitable Activities Section
The Department of Justice, Charitable Activities Section regulates charitable activities in Oregon, including nonprofit corporations organized for a public-benefit . Charities must register with the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice also provides two useful guides for anyone involved with a nonprofit organization or charity in Oregon "Starting and Maintaining a Charity in Oregon" and "A Guide to Non-Profit Board Service".

Oregon Department of Justice, Charitable Activities Section
1515 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 410, Portland, OR 97201

Phone: (971)673-1880 email: charitable.activities@doj.state.or.us

501(c)(3) Federal Income Tax Exemption www.irs.gov/charities/index.html
Forming a nonprofit organization does not guarantee tax-exempt status. The Internal Revenue Service makes determinations regarding the federal tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations. To obtain tax-exempt status you must apply to the Internal Revenue Service TE/GE Division. If you intend to apply for IRS federal tax exemption as a charitable organization, your articles of incorporation must contain a required purpose clause and dissolution of assets provision.

Information on 501(c)(3) qualifications, including sample articles of incorporation is available on the IRS website at www.irs.gov. Click the "Charities and Nonprofits" link and then the Life Cycle of a Public Charity link.

Contact IRS Customer Service toll-free at 1-877-829-5500.

Oregon Tax Information www.oregon.gov/DOR
See the Oregon Department of Revenue publication "Information for Tax Exempt Organizations"; for information on Income, Employment, and Property tax issues.

Contact the Oregon Department of Revenue at (503)378-4988 or toll-free in Oregon at 1-800-356-4222.

Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) www.nonprofitoregon.org
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO), formerly known as TACS, is a statewide network of nonprofits, foundations, business partners, and individuals dedicated to supporting Oregon’s nonprofit sector. NAO has over 30 years experience providing consulting and training to nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers, and offers programs and services that enhance the capacity of nonprofits to fulfill their missions.

Contact NAO at (503)233-9240 or (888)206-3076, or by email info@nonprofitoregon.org.

GuideStar www.guidestar.org
GuideStar is the national database of charity organizations.

Additional Resources for Nonprofits

Better Business Bureau, Wise Giving Alliance www.give.org
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers guidance to donors on making informed giving decisions through our charity evaluations, various "tips" publications, and publishes the quarterly Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide.

BoardSource www.boardsource.org
Dedicated to building stronger nonprofit boards of directors.

Internet Nonprofit Center www.mapfornonprofits.org
Information for and about nonprofit organizations.

Small Business Administration www.sba.gov
Nonprofit organizations are both a recipient of SBA services and a partner with the SBA in serving the small business community.

USA.gov for Nonprofits www.usa.gov/Business/Nonprofit
Official information and services from the U.S. government.