Organizing FAQs

A Faith Based Organization, hereinafter (FBO), is a corporation whose primary purpose or activities are religious or religiously motivated.  We use the term FBO to describe Churches, Integrated Auxiliaries, and Association of Churches.

Yes!

For any person who wants to set up a Faith Based Organization whose primary purpose or activities are religious or religiously motivated.

• Step 1: Confirm your calling and doctrine
• Step 2: Choose your structure 508(c)(1)(a) vs. 501(c)(3)
• Step 3: Define your vision and mission
• Step 4: Incorporate
• Step 5: Obtain an EIN & Open bank account
• Step 6: Draft Bylaws & hold first board meeting
• Step 7: Operate as a church or church ministry

Yes.  A 508 may be a 1) church or, an 2) association of churches or, 3) an integrated auxillary of a church.

A 508 is not a

• PMA
• SSM
• 508 Trust

Yes.  Many times there is a group of like-minded FBO’s that want to share an affiliation but not give up their independence or local control.

Yes.  A 508 FBO  may ordain and license it’s own leaders.

• The Articles of Organization
• Certificate of Incorporation
• UBI Number
• SS4 and Tax Identification Number
• Certificate of Existence/Authorization
• Charities registration exemption letter signed by the Secretary of State listing the 508 as an tax exempt organization
• First year registered agent services
• Bylaws template
• Sample first minutes of board meeting
• Letter explaining tax exemption
• Letter explaining how to open a bank account in your state

We can organize a 508(C)(1)(A) in any state, however, this list of what comes with a 508(C)(1)(A) is for all Washington State formations and may not be available in other states.

In addition, if your ministry will be doing international work we can acquire and Apostille. An “Apostille” is a form of authentication issued to documents for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention of 1961. A list of countries that accept apostilles is provided by the U.S. State Department.  There is a separate fee for Apostille orders.

Within 20 days.

Yes, but the signature does not have to be original.

HHO partners with NWCS (an affiliate service) to provide this required role as part of our complete 508(c)(1)(a) formation package:

• First year included free — When you form through HHO, NWCS is named as the initial registered agent in your Articles of Incorporation. This covers the initial filing and first-year service at no extra cost.
• Ongoing service — After the first year, NWCS continues as registered agent for an annual fee (typically around $200/year. They proactively contact you before your annual renewal date to explain the renewal process and collect the renewal fee.
• Why NWCS? — NWCS is a Washington-based, experienced provider specializing in nonprofit and religious corporations

Yes!  Washington Corporation’s work in all 50 states.  If used in another state you may need to register as a foreign corporation depending on your states laws and the type of activity.

Washington is a very popular location for non-profit organizations because we have both Non-Profit Registration and the Charities Program administered by the same agency, the Secretary of State. Many states restrict religious expression. Washington allows religious organization’s to exercise religion equal to what a natural man or woman can do.

Nonprofit organizations are not all the same; some have rights and benefits that others do not.  Nonprofit formation is governed and empowered with rights and privileges from state laws.  State laws vary state by state.  

Most of our filings are form Washington State because 1) State law provides the same rights as the “natural man and woman, including the right to buy, sell, enter contracts, hire legal counsel, sue and be sued”, 2) Only Washington State will file the record the ministry as A) Nonprofit, B) Tax Exempt, C) Classified as a 508(c)(1)(a) Church, D) Having 501(c)(3) Status.  Washington State also issues a Charities Registration Exemption Letter stating the ministry never has to report for any fundraising for the life of the ministry.  

We can organize a 508(C)(1)(A) in any state, however, other states may not offer all the benefits that Washington State offers.  

Helping Hand Outreach (HHO) formations under 508(c)(1)(a) provide churches and faith-based organizations (FBOs) with maximum flexibility and minimal compliance burden. Washington State offers a unique and powerful benefit: a Charities Registration Exemption Letter (CREL) issued by the Secretary of State.

This letter officially acknowledges that your 508(c)(1)(a) church or integrated auxiliary is not required to register or report any fundraising activities to the state — no annual charitable solicitation filings, no financial disclosures, and no fees related to charitable fundraising. The Secretary of State lists your FBO as tax-exempt and authorized to raise funds from the public without the reporting obligations that apply to most other nonprofits.

Key Benefits of this optional registration approach:

• Zero state fundraising reporting — forever, as long as you operate as a church or integrated auxiliary.
• Significant cost and time savings — no annual state charity filings, audits, or fees for solicitation.
• Strong legal clarity — the CREL letter serves as official proof to donors, banks, and others that your ministry is exempt from charitable registration requirements.
• Full alignment with federal 508(c)(1)(a) protections — automatic federal tax exemption, no Form 1023, no Form 990, and preserved First Amendment free speech.

After the first year, NWCS continues as registered agent for an annual fee (typically around $200/year). They proactively contact you before your annual renewal date to explain the renewal process and collect the renewal fee.

We don’t offer theory- we offer experience and expertise.