This is a precarious time for many nonprofits in Washington state, and across the U.S. Luckily, CRB has still been flourishing, despite the turbulence of various factors affecting our state. Below, we will explore the reasons why Washington state nonprofits are facing so many challenges (with sources), and what staff and citizens alike can do to overcome these issues.
Shrinking Public Funding
State budget cuts and federal funding shifts or denials have reduced predictable revenue streams for social services. The key word is “predictable,” as these unprecedented times have often lead to unpredictability in terms of funding for nonprofits. This is even true for states that have traditionally been bastions of hope for refugees and immigrants (Whittenberg).
Stricter Local Oversight
Local entities like King County have increased compliance burdens and reporting controls on community organizations following financial audits, straining small staff capacities without adding financial support (Bohlin).
Rising Operational Costs
Higher expenses for wages, benefits, insurance, and facilities, combined with state tax rules that have swept certain nonprofits into new service taxes, are driving up basic operating costs (Broom).
Spike in Community Demand
Public need for housing, youth care, and basic human services is surging at the exact time that government grants and foundation support are pulling back (Cole).
Forced Restructuring
Deficits have led to program suspensions, layoffs, and organizational closures across Washington state, prompting an increase in organizational mergers (Curley).
Now that we have given the breakdown of the concoction that has created the “perfect storm” for nonprofits in Washington state, let’s move onto giving some solutions.
Solution #1: Donate
Times are rough economically for many in the U.S. However, for those who feel they have some leeway in terms of money can donate to their beloved local nonprofit. It helps to donate monthly and to smaller organizations. Also, many companies offer donation matching, paid volunteer time, or sponsorships. Lastly, you can buy from nonprofit social enterprises and attend fundraising events.
Solution #2: Give your time and skills
Nonprofit staff would be grateful and benefit greatly by you volunteering regularly, offering professional skills, or joining their board/committee. In addition, you could join or start mutual aid networks.
Solution #3: Use your voice
Though we are ordinary citizens, we can contact our legislators, submit public comments, testify, vote on funding measures, share nonprofits’ needs on social media with friends and coworkers, and keep informed to learn about what protest or civil disobedience is occurring in your locale.
I hope this blog post gives you more of an idea of the current state of nonprofits in Washington state and what we all can do to support our newcomer communities that are aided by nonprofits.
Sources
Whittenberg, Jake. “‘Perfect Storm’ Forcing Washington Nonprofits to Scramble for Survival.” King 5, 5 June 2025, www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/perfect-storm-washington-nonprofits-forced-scramble-for-survival/281-e4417841-91ab-46ac-959b-37d606ec3c90.
Bohlin, Jesse. “Surviving the Wave of Attacks on Nonprofits.” RVC Seattle, 12 Aug. 2026, rvcseattle.org/2026/08/12/survivingattacks/.
Broom, Jane. “Don’t Leave Nonprofits Behind in Washington’s Tax Debate.” LinkedIn, [Day Mon. Year], www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-leave-nonprofits-behind-washingtons-tax-debate-jane-broom-iwdtc/.
Cole, Amanda L. “State of Nonprofits 2026: 3 Dire Realities Facing the Sector Right Now.” NonProfit PRO, 28 May 2026, www.nonprofitpro.com/article/state-of-nonprofits-2026-3-dire-realities-facing-the-sector-right-now/.
Curley, John. “Curley: A Storm Is Coming for Washington Nonprofits as the Rich Head for the Exits.” MyNorthwest, Bonneville International, 28 Jan. 2026, mynorthwest.com/kiro-opinion/curley-a-storm-is-coming-for-washington-nonprofits-as-the-rich-head-for-the-exits/4194883.
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