Contents
What Is a Nonprofit?
How to Define Your Mission
How to Choose and Protect Your Nonprofit’s Name
How to Set Up Your Board
How to Write Your Articles of Incorporation
Nonprofit Tax Matters
How to Write Your Bylaws
Nonprofit Management and Operations Issues
Insurance for Your Nonprofit
Nonprofit Fundraising Basics
Nonprofit Publicity Basics
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How to Write Your Articles of Incorporation
Articles of incorporation, sometimes called articles of organization, are legal documents filed with your state to establish a corporation. Each state has slightly varying requirements. Check with the appropriate office within your state for details and then follow their guidelines to ensure that your application is processed expediently. Some states even provide sample articles of incorporation with the instructions.
Articles of incorporation are relatively straightforward, so you may not need the
assistance of an attorney yet. Nonetheless, it’s never too early to seek advice regarding the proper setup of your nonprofit. If money is a concern, you can find volunteer lawyers via www.corporateprobono.org. Another site, www.nolo.com, also provides excellent books on the subject of establishing a nonprofit and filing for tax exemption with the government.
Typical Articles of Incorporation Components
Articles of incorporation include basic information about your nonprofit organization, including its name, its mission, its main contact person, the incorporators’ names and contact information, members qualifications, and—most important—its exempt purpose under the IRS code. Refer to IRS Publication 557 (available at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p557.pdf) for details. The key point you need to make is that no funds or assets of the nonprofit will be used to enrich any individuals.
Articles of Incorporation Tips
Use the following tips when writing your articles of incorporation:
- Omit optional provisions: Article VIII is typically reserved for the addition of provisions not covered elsewhere within the document. It’s best to leave this section blank unless your lawyer has advised you otherwise. Use other documents, such as the bylaws, to work out the details of how the organization will operate.
- Type it out: Although some forms allow you to hand-write responses in black ink, it’s best to type your articles of organization to make sure that it’s legible.
- Sign, seal, deliver: Follow the filing instructions exactly. Pay particular attention to the number of copies you’re asked to enclose, the addressee, and any fees that are required. Some states require signatures to be notarized.
- Protect the certificate: Once you’ve received a certified copy of your articles of incorporation with a state seal, make copies and then store the original in a safe, fireproof location.
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