Issaquah Resources for Nonprofits
WA Office of the Attorney General: Immigrant Worker Protection Act (IWPA)
Ahead of the state Immigrant Worker Protection Act taking full effect on Oct. 1, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is providing guidance and materials to help employers meet obligations under the law. The law requires that employers inform workers within five business days when federal agents have issued a notice to conduct an inspection of workers’ employment eligibility documents, known as I-9 forms. Washington State law recognizes that immigrant workers contribute to Washington state's strong economy. Certain federal civil immigration enforcement actions may cause disruption to workplaces and communities and reduce community safety. Employers have rights and responsibilities related to interactions with federal officials conducting immigration enforcement activities. These materials are for employers and workers in Washington State, issued by the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, in accordance with RCW 49.97. The Washington State Attorney General has authority to investigate and enforce the Immigrant Worker Protection Act (IWPA). Any person can email IWPA@atg.wa.gov to share questions and concerns, or to report potential violations by an employer. On the IWPA webpage, there are posters are available in multiple languages, and is for employers to inform workers of their rights under the Immigrant Worker Protection Act. The poster should be hung in a an area visible to all workers.
Real Change - The 8th edition of the Emerald City Resource Guide is HERE!
This free pocket-sized guide connects folks to important resources across the county – including, but not limited to, food, shelters and employment. Anyone can order up to 300 guides for free here. Want to order more than 300 guides? Email resourceguide@realchangenews.org. Guides are going fast, so place your order ASAP!
City of Issaquah: Seeking Partners for new Opportunity Center
The Opportunity Center will be a 10,000 sq ft, ground floor commercial condo in an affordable housing development for the provision of public behavioral, dental or medical health services. The OC will be located at 1467 Maple Street in Issaquah, directly east of the Issaquah Transit Center and SR 900. King County Housing Authority is developing the site; they will manage the rental housing above the ground floor; it will include 154 rental units at between 40 and 60% AMI. The City is seeking public behavioral, dental or medical health providers to lease or own the space for direct service provision beginning in 2028. The City has long sought public behavioral health services in Issaquah, given that this is one of the most pressing health needs that residents face and there are no public health providers for adults in the city. To try and close this gap, the City has purchased the Opportunity Center space from KCHA and now seeks service providers to operate from the space. We are eager to identify our service providers, so that design of the tenant improvements can begin. The City will not be seeking market rate rents, but rather seek to recoup some of the tenant improvement costs to the space and cover ongoing costs, like insurance or maintenance. We are also interested in selling the space to a service provider or leasing to a few service providers to fill the space with the right complement of services. We intend to the do an RFP process this fall to select service providers. For more information contact Gillian Straub
501 Commons: Organization Changes and Updates as of Aug 31, 2026
After careful evaluation, our Board of Directors approved a plan to begin transitioning 501 Commons’ core programs and client engagements to two nonprofit organizations with similar missions: Upic Solutions and Commons HR (doing business as “The Commons Promise”). Following this transition, 501 Commons will begin a wind-down process, concluding in dissolution before year-end. 501 Commons has been working with two partner organizations and our clients to transition its capacity-building initiatives, consulting services, and community programs — including Washington Gives — by August 31, 2026:
• Upic Solutions will carry forward IT Services, Financial Services, and Washington Gives (subject to approval).
• The Commons Promise, led by Danielle Lyda, will continue human resources and management consulting services, along with the Executive Service Corps (subject to approval).
Renton Technical College Resource Fair Oct 14, 2026 - Community Provider Invitation
Thank you for your interest in participating in the RTC Fall Resource Fair, our goal for this fair it to connect students and community members to campus resources for healthcare, childcare, and other basic needs. RSVP HERE
Hopelink: Trauma-Informed Community of Practice Next: Oct 14, 2026
Hopelink invites community partners and allied professionals to join our Trauma-Informed Community of Practice, a monthly virtual series focused on learning and growing together around trauma-informed practices. Each session will cover topics such as stress and trauma, historical trauma, self-care, resilience, and applying trauma-informed principles in both service delivery and the workplace. Sessions are informal and interactive, with opportunities for resource sharing and discussion. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m via Zoom. Sign up here!
Essentials First: Holiday Fair 2026 Invitation Register by Nov 27, 2026
Join us for the Essentials First Holiday Fair on December 4, 2026. Holiday Fair is an annual event, hosted every December by Essentials First and our partners .Check out the resource fair with 30+ community partners sharing information, goodies, and services, pick up a meal, and even take a selfie with Santa! When: Friday December 4, 2026 from 1 to 4 PM Where: inside the gymnasium at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Bellevue Stake Center 14536 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98007 NO RSVP REQUIRED - please just show up 😁 Every part of this all-ages event is completely free! More information HERE
Invitation: Open office hours with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health – First Tuesdays
Let’s gather at the table with Cynthia Ricks-Maccotan and Brenda Mbaabu for rich conversations around various topics that impact us as service providers. Key topics we will highlight include board development, strategic planning, results based accountability, grants management, healing centered engagement, gun violence prevention, addiction prevention, community engagement strategies, and anti-stigma advocacy. Questions? Please reach out to us in case you have any questions or concerns What you can look forward to in 2026:
October 6: Enchilada Tuesday! - Grant Writing 101, the dos, don’ts, and the whole enchilada.
November 3: Are they in or out? - Community Engagement strategies - are we really creating community-led projects and programs? Let’s assess.
December 1: Break the stigma, not the person! - Addiction Response Training - increase knowledge about addiction, improve helping behaviors toward individuals with substance use disorders, correct misconceptions about addiction, and reduce stigma in communities.
Seattle/King County Public Health: First Friday Forums Hybrid
Provides information, updates, training and advocacy for community based organizations, health care providers, outreach workers, Navigators and anyone who desire to help the most vulnerable. Learn about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Apple Health and Medicaid programs, publicly sponsored programs, King County ORCA Lift program, application process, how to problem solve health care enrollment issues and access to health care services.
The Protection Order Advocacy Program (POAP): New Monthly Clinic
POAP is piloting a new service dedicated to other service providers in King County. This monthly clinic serves to provide a consistent opportunity to connect with our team to address questions about protection orders and the process surrounding them, engage in generalized IPV-DV case consults and to learn more about the other services our program can offer. This is designed to be a drop-in service that will take place the 3rd Tuesday each month from 3:30PM-4:30PM. A registration link will be sent out 1-2 weeks before each convening so please feel welcome to join at any time.
BSK: Best Starts workshops September – December 2026
Best Starts for Kids offers free workshops, trainings, and peer learning opportunities to build up the knowledge and skills of King County providers, caregivers, and community members. We know it’s essential to invest in the expertise of our workforce to promote the health and well-being of babies, children, and young people.
WA HCA: Bi-Monthly Medicaid Documentation Training
Please join The HCA Trainers for our Medicaid Documentation Training. The training will occur bi-monthly from 1pm to 3pm. This training is recommended for those who: - New to providing Supportive Housing and Supported Employment services. - Interested in improving personal or agency documentation, especially around Medicaid billing requirements. - Considering participating in a fidelity review and would like more information on how to prepare for it. - Learn about Medicaid and Medical Necessity
CIRC: Community Connection Events: Vendor and Presenter RSVP Open
CIRC is inviting partners to take part in its Community Connection Day events, interactive workshops that connect residents with resources, services, and tools that support independence and community living. Organizations can participate by hosting a resource table, giving a 15–30 minute presentation, or doing both. Presenters should plan for limited technology access at some locations and use a simple, conversational format with printed handouts. Door prizes are encouraged, and CIRC is also seeking printed materials in Russian, Ukrainian, Somali, and Amharic for resource packets in Bellevue and Tukwila communities. See the attached list of dates and locations, and RSVP to let CIRC know how you would like to participate. Lynne.Vetsch@circliving.org
Alteza Commercial Kitchen Equiptment: Opportunity for Nonprofits and Faith Based Organizations - PSE 2026 Foodservice Instant Rebate Program
Through this opportunity, brand-new, energy-efficient commercial kitchen equipment is available at $0 out-of-pocket cost to qualifying nonprofits, with no sales tax. The only potential expense is a delivery fee; however, organizations may choose to pick up the equipment to avoid this cost. This program runs through the end of the year, and with only a few months remaining. This opportunity is made possible through the PSE Rebate Program and the Alteza Equipment Donation Program. To view the available kitchen equipment, please use this link, and enter your zip code: Alteza Kitchen Program Eligibility & Details:
The nonprofit organization must be a current PSE customer.
If the location receives both gas and electric service from PSE, the organization may select from both gas and electric equipment options.
If PSE provides only gas or only electric service at the location, eligible equipment will be limited to the applicable PSE utility service.
Qualifying kitchen equipment is available at no cost to the nonprofit organization.
No sales tax is charged on the equipment.
The only potential out-of-pocket expense is the delivery fee. Organizations may choose to pick up the equipment to avoid this cost.
There is no limit on the number of eligible equipment units an organization may request for its location.
The rebate program is currently scheduled to end at the end of the year.
Home-based nonprofit locations are not eligible.
Together Center: New! East King County Human Services Collaborative
Exciting news from Together Center and our partners! After decades of incredible work training, bringing attention to, and advocating for human services in East King County, the Alliance of Eastside Agencies (AEA) and Eastside Human Services Forum (EHSF) are sunsetting. Not to worry, the groups are working together to form a reimagined collaborative, operated by Together Center. In a world increasingly marked by unpredictability and fast-paced change, building community resilience has never been more crucial. A key component of fostering resilience and looking out for each other lies in effective collaboration between nonprofit organizations, businesses, school districts, faith organizations, hospitals, and local governments serving our region. Now with the Together Center campus for human services and affordable housing complete in downtown Redmond, Together Center is able and willing to leverage its physical space, staffing, onsite partnerships, leadership, and social infrastructure to be the home of new East King County Human Services Collaborative (The Collaborative). Human services providers, funders, civic leaders, faith organizations, school districts, hospitals, and businesses who champion human services are invited to be part of The Collaborative. We are building this together.
Communities of Opportunities: Calendar of Upcoming Events Trainings, Conversations & More!
Communities of Opportunity believes the most meaningful, just, and sustainable solutions are generated in partnership with communities -- who know what they need to be healthy and thrive. COO is dedicated to changing the systems, policies and environments that create and reinforce these disparities and towards creating a vibrant, equitable King County where everyone thrives regardless of race or place.
New Guidance for WA Cares Providers - Provider FAQ Document
The WA Cares Fund has released an updated Provider Toolkit FAQ (Sept. 23, 2025) to support organizations and individuals interested in becoming registered providers. The guide covers everything from application requirements and background checks to contracting, payments, and rates. Providers can learn how to join the WA Cares Provider Directory, serve beneficiaries starting July 2026, and even explore options for paid family caregiving. The toolkit is designed to help providers navigate the process step by step and ensure they meet the qualifications to deliver services. Access the full FAQ and additional toolkit resources here
Goodwill Digital Equity Bus
This year we extended our reach by adding a second Digital Equity Bus, allowing us to serve more community members in our 5-county region. This mobile classroom – developed in partnership with a global leader in human infrastructure development, Black & Veatch – brings our computer classes, workforce development programs, and wraparound support services directly to people in rural and historically under-resourced communities across Northwest Washington. This effort is made possible from the collaborative effort of employees across the Evergreen Goodwill organization and our many community partners. If you’re interested in bringing DEB to your Northwest Washington community, please contact Jessica.Hilburn@evergreengoodwill.org
Les Schwab Tires For A Purpose
We’ve found that one of the best ways to strengthen our communities is to give back to those driving positive change in them every day. Les Schwab’s Tires for Purpose awards local nonprofits that are making positive impacts in our communities with a set of free tires for their organization’s vehicle. It’s a meaningful way Les Schwab helps local organizations stay on the road to do more good. Know of a nonprofit organization that could benefit from a set of free tires? See our recipient qualifications and terms and conditions.
Nonprofit Association of Washington Survey: Responding to Today’s Political Climate
We want to better understand how current political developments — including immigration enforcement actions, ICE raids, and the introduction or discussion of major federal legislation such as the “H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — are affecting your organization and the communities you serve. Your feedback will help Nonprofit Association of Washington (NAWA) respond effectively, advocate on your behalf, and provide the resources and support you need. Your responses will remain confidential and will only be used in aggregate to guide our programming and advocacy.
501 Commons: Stay updated on executive orders affecting nonprofits
In recent weeks, a series of executive orders has been signed, addressing a broad range of issues, including DEI initiatives, federal funding, civic engagement, immigration, and others. Since this is a quickly-moving news story, we recommend you bookmark this PDF created by the National Council of Nonprofits that provides frequent updates of how these EOs affect nonprofits. Please note some of these orders haven't gone into affect yet, or are being challenged in the courts. NCN is also inviting organizations to share their stories of how these executive actions may affect their work.
NAMI Eastside offers C.A.L.M. — Communicate, Assess, Listen, Mediate
CALM is a practical and compassionate training designed to equip individuals with the skills to de-escalate situations involving someone in mental health crisis—specifically in the workplace. This presentation helps participants recognize signs of distress, respond with empathy, and use de-escalation techniques that prioritize safety and respect. Whether you're in a leadership role, a team member, or part of a community organization, this training provides essential tools for supporting colleagues during challenging moments. Mental health crises can happen anywhere. Knowing how to respond calmly and effectively can make all the difference. Learn more or request a presentation: info@nami-eastside.org | nami-eastside.org/calm
The Find a Ride Team: new blog post about the Find a Ride Communications Toolkit.
This post contains information to share on your social media channels and to promote Find a Ride’s Trip Planner throughout Puget Sound at in-person events. You may either copy these messages directly or customize them to reach your audience. The full toolkit pdf includes translated newsletter blurbs, translated 8 ½ by 11 flyers, and suggested social media posts. The trip planner is available in: Amharic, English, Chinese, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mon-Khmer/ Cambodian, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, with more languages being added in the future. Email FindARide@hopelink.org for more information. Phone support is available. Visit our website to try our new trip planner!
Disability Empowerment Center is offering an increasing array of Consulting Services to businesses, government agencies and organizations. If your company has a goal of increasing accessibility in 2025, consider one of our services
Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness: Public Benefit Trainings
In partnership with Solid Ground’s Benefits Legal Assistance and REACH, we are pleased to host the Public Benefits Are Key! training series. This series is geared towards case managers working with people experiencing homelessness – both new case managers as well as experienced providers who have questions and would like additional support in navigating these resources. You will learn what you can do as a case manager to help your client navigate the benefits process, hear key tips for avoiding barriers, and learn when to contact an attorney. This will be a practical, hands-on training.
Check out all the Coalition’s past trainings and meetings on our YouTube – https://bit.ly/homelesscoalition-youtube
BSK: Culturally Responsive Measurement Tool – Protective Factors Information Session
The Culturally Responsive Measurement Tool – Protective Factors (CRMT-PF) is a survey with 22 questions measuring five protective factors: family resilience, knowledge of parenting & child development, social supports, concrete support, and caregiver/practitioner relationships. Watch the videos below to learn about the tool and visit the CRMT-PF blog post to learn more. Use the links below to access each training video:
Washington State Regional Outreach Representatives
Regional Outreach Representatives serve as the primary liaison between the Office of the Governor, local communities, and tribal governments statewide. They develop strategic relationships with and provide assistance to community organizations, elected officials and residents on regional and statewide issues. For King County, contact Jennifer Wood jennifer.wood@gov.wa.gov
Good Food Exchange is an online marketplace dedicated to keeping good food on plates and out of the landfill. This platform creates a space for farms, distributors, and other organizations with surplus or recovered food to find recipients who can use it to its highest value. Food businesses and food security organizations alike can use this resource to find and share offers for edible, free or low-cost food which may have otherwise gone to waste.
ELAP: Recommended CLE for Pro Bono Attorneys: Trauma-Informed Advocacy
Many legal aid clients have experienced some form of trauma. We believe all pro bono attorneys should understand how trauma affects client-attorney interactions, which will make you a more effective advocate. Practicing Law Institute’s 1-hour CLE program “Trauma-Informed Lawyering: Strategies and Best Practices” is a must-watch for attorneys providing pro bono legal aid. It addresses how trauma can manifest in client relations and offers best practices for building trust with your clients. Read more about how to access this CLE on our blog.
3E Behavior Solutions - Professional Workplace Violence Mitigation and De-Escalation Education for Your Entire Staff
We reframe your staff's experience about workplace violence and teach them how to navigate acutely stressful situations in order to provide your organization with the safest and most positive environment to serve your communities. Reach out for more information on customized trainings, pricing options, and more.
FORGE: Toolkit On Preventing Violence in Bathrooms, Locker Rooms, and Changing Areas
Everyone has the right to safety and privacy. Organizations, businesses and communities can help prevent violence through the decisions they make - the way physical spaces are designed, the way messaging about community values is shared, and the way people are included in community. FORGE strives to create a world where ALL voices, people and bodies are valued, respected, honored, and celebrated; where every individual feels safe, supported, respected, and empowered.
Tesfa Program’s Ethiopian Outreach Guide
The Tesfa Program, developed this web-based toolkit to increase the capacity of providers, organizations, and decision-makers to better connect and serve local Ethiopian communities.
Share the guide with your colleagues, friends, and community!
Share your feedback — we want to continue to build on this resource! Please email Selam Misgano at smisgan066@gmail.com to tell us what you think. Do you know of similar projects? Who should we reach out to get this toolkit more widely utilized?
Invite us to present! To further spread the word of the resources and knowledge within the Outreach Guide, and our experiences serving community during the pandemic we are giving presentations to interested community members, public health and policy students, and health focused organizations, and coalitions, in and around Washington State. Email Selam Misgano at smisgan066@gmail.com to begin the conversation!
Sound Generations Geriatric Mental Health Specialist Workshops
Sound Generations has taken on the coordination of Geriatric Mental Health Specialist Workshops. These workshops have previously been coordinated by Karen Kent, LMHC, GMHS and more recently by Terri Haaga, MSW, LICSW, GMHS. These six-hour workshops held once a month provide licensed professionals with the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) and stay up-to-date on best practices in the geriatric mental health field. The classes offered qualify for the 100 hours of training required by the State of Washington for the Geriatric Mental Health Specialist certification.
Connect2Community Network Building the Foundation for a Healthier, More Equitable Community
We’re building a unified community information exchange (CIE) to enable care coordination between health, behavioral health, tribal, community and social service organizations in King County, WA. It will enable organizations to send, receive and follow up on electronic referrals, increase access to resources via a shared directory, and provide visibility of other organizations providing care. Find more information here. Check out our video!
InterConnection: Computer grants
are awarded to organizations that deliver necessary and valuable services to underserved communities like technology training, health care, education, and job training, but need upgraded computers to better manage their organization and improve their capacity to deliver those valuable services.Interconnection reviews nonprofit grant applications 4 times a year. Please read the eligibility information to make sure your organization is eligible. APPLICATION DEADLINES: February 28, May 31, August 31,and November 30
Communities Rise: Announcing a new Lease Amendment Toolkit for small businesses and nonprofits
Created in collaboration with the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development and Perkins Coie The Lease Amendment Toolkit is designed to give small businesses and nonprofits information and template documents so they can successfully negotiate payment plans with their landlords before the moratoriums are lifted.
WA State Surplus ProgramState Program Flyer - Federal Program Flyer - Veteran Program Flyer
Through the Dept of Enterprise Services (DES), all cities, counties, school districts, and most non-profits all qualify for the State Surplus Priority Program. These entities can take advantage of additional benefits available through Surplus Operations by requesting certain items before they become available for auction to the public. They also have a Federal Surplus Program as well. Small veteran owned business, educational nonprofits, nonprofit health institutions, nonprofit programs for the elderly, and veteran organizations are all eligible for the Federal program. Finally, for Veteran-Owned Small Business Programs they have a program where these small businesses can apply to receive federal surplus property through the Small Business Administration. For questions about these programs, you can reach out to agencysurpluspurch@des.wa.gov – a general mailbox that connects with the team at DES that supports this program.