Non-Profit Organizations

Oregon Nonprofit Attorney | Formation, Governance, & Compliance

Mission-driven organizations across Oregon turn to Catalyst Law as their Oregon nonprofit attorney for guidance that goes beyond the basics of incorporation. Attorneys Kimberly Pray and Amanda Caffall bring backgrounds in nonprofit leadership and fundraising to their legal practice, giving them firsthand insight into the practical and legal realities nonprofits face. From formation through long-term governance, fundraising, and institutional growth, Catalyst’s nonprofit attorneys serve organizations throughout the State of Oregon.

Forming a Nonprofit in Oregon

Establishing a nonprofit involves more than filing articles of incorporation. Founders must also draft bylaws, structure a compliant board, register with the Oregon Department of Justice, and prepare a federal tax-exemption application that accurately reflects the organization’s charitable purpose. Missteps at formation can create compliance headaches for years.

Our Nonprofit Legal Services

• Entity formation and federal 501(c)(3) tax-exemption applications
• Bylaws, conflict-of-interest policies, and board governance documents
• Ongoing compliance counsel, including state and federal filings
• Fiscal sponsorship arrangements, mergers, and dissolution guidance
• Political and lobbying activity compliance, grantmaking, and excise tax issues
• Unrelated business income tax (UBIT), joint ventures, and for-profit subsidiaries
• Social enterprise structuring and mission- or program-related investments
• Advising boards on fiduciary duties and risk management

Experience Across the Nonprofit Sector

We bring first-hand experience to our nonprofit practice, having represented public charities, private foundations, community foundations, and social welfare organizations of every size. Having served as employees and board members of tax-exempt organizations ourselves, as your legal counsel we bring practical experience and understanding of what is important to our nonprofit clients. From initial formation through fundraising, expansion, and institutionalization, our attorneys understand the issues specific to the nonprofit sector because we’ve lived them, not just advised others.

Explore More

• Non-Profit Formation in Oregon
• IRS Tax-Exempt Application
• Philanthropy
• Social Enterprise

A Firm Connected to Oregon’s Nonprofit Community

The Commons Law Center, a nonprofit law firm expanding access to legal services across Oregon, was founded by Catalyst Law attorney Kimberly Pray, who served on the board from 2016 – 2026. Catalyst Law attorney Amanda Caffall stepped into the role of founding Executive Director, leading The Commons for eight years in public service before returning to private practice. Our deep and meaningful connection with The Commons reflects our broader commitment to expanding access to justice for low-income Oregonians.