Washington’s statewide chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is shutting down its nonprofit operations after losing its charter from the national organization, leaving local affiliates hustling to keep support groups and classes going while leaders sort out what comes next.
State Chapter Announces Dissolution
NAMI Washington told affiliate leaders in an email that it intends to file dissolution paperwork for its 501(c)(3) organization after NAMI National revoked the state chapter’s charter. The message, sent with a newsletter pointedly titled “Death & Rebirth: Seeding the Alliance,” said the move followed allegations that “a violation of inclusion and belonging” occurred during a training two years earlier, as reported by The Seattle Times.
National Board Authority
Under NAMI’s national bylaws, the board has the power to revoke the charter of a state organization or affiliate for violations, material breach or failure to advance the group’s mission. The bylaws specify that when a charter is terminated, “rights to use NAMI intellectual property, including the NAMI name and logo, immediately terminates,” and they outline the steps the board may take in handling such disputes; full details are in the NAMI bylaws.
Affiliates Scramble, National Promises Continuity
Leaders at several local affiliates told reporters the decision came as a surprise, and said they were still trying to figure out how their regional classes, support groups and outreach might be affected. NAMI National, through a spokesperson, said it is working with affiliates to keep programs and services running while a longer term structure is developed, according to The Seattle Times.
Finances and Staff
According to ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer, NAMI Washington reported $1,499,456 in revenue and $1,729,531 in expenses for fiscal year 2024, and its recent Form 990 filings list the organization’s executive director and other key employees. The NAMI Washington website still promotes upcoming trainings, the 2026 NAMIWalks event and a small staff roster that includes three full time employees and two AmeriCorps VISTA slots; see NAMI Washington for the current calendar.
Why It Matters
For years, NAMI Washington handled statewide advocacy, training and fundraising so that local affiliates could focus on direct support. With the state office set to dissolve, more administrative weight will shift to the national organization and to the local affiliates themselves. For now, community members looking for help are still best served by local NAMI support groups and classes, or by contacting a local NAMI affiliate or the national helpline for immediate assistance.
