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The Nonprofit FAQ
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Organization
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What should our mission statement say?
Purpose. Business. Values. Beneficiaries.
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What are Articles of Incorporation? Bylaws?
Articles of Incorporation typically specify the purpose of the organization, its name, place of business, key officers and various limitations of operations. Bylaws are the board's specifications of the overall structure and operations of the organization
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We want to change the mission and work we do. How difficult is it to make such a change?
You may need to notify your state corporations office, the IRS, and officials in states where you do fundraising. More details in this item.
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Can we re-incorporate in another state?
Although the organization may feel it is just a formality when the state of incorporation is changed, in fact one organization has gone out of existence and a new one has been formed. New standing with the IRS is necessary.
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How do we change our mission statement?
You need a careful and inclusive process.
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Where to start when creating a nonprofit
Resources and advice for use at the very beginning.
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What actual steps do I take? Which filings come first?
The practical details (in the USA) of incorporating a nonprofit and filing for tax-exempt status and a nonprofit mailing permit.
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Do I need a lawyer to form a nonprofit? How much should it cost?
Some people can do it on their own. Others find a lawyer very useful. There are legal referral services which sometimes can help locate low-cost or even free assistance.
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Do all nonprofits have members?
No. And the term 'member' is used in many ways. In some organizations, members have specific rights and powers.
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Can Members Review the Books & Financial Records?
An organization's by-laws should state the rights of its membership.
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Can a nonprofit be a business?
Many nonprofits undertake 'business' activities, and most are 'business-like' in their work. Nonprofits can't pay out profits as dividends to stockholders or as income to 'owners.'
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Will a trademark protect my organization's name on the net?
Having a registered trademark is a help, but registering your name for internet use is also a good idea
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Board Basics
Some first principles about the board of directors and pointers to other information on the subject.
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What are job descriptions for nonprofit board members?
Suggestions for duties and responsibilities for board members and officers.
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Should boards of directors have term limits?
Bringing on members is good. Encouraging nonperformers to leave is good too. But term limits may be too blunt an instrument.
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What are the board's legal responsibilities?
The Board is ultimately responsible for the performance of the organization in all areas of its work. From the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
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What is included in the board manual?
Each board member gets a manual about how the board operates, including its structure, policies, the nonprofit's charter documents, etc.
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Does an NPO really need a Treasurer?
In a volunteer-based organization, the treasurer may actually keep the books. In larger organizations, the responsibilities of the role change.
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Can nonprofits use proxies when voting?
It's a complicated question. Some guidance may be found in state nonprofit corporation law.
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Bad bylaws lead to conflict. What next?
A consultant outlines a strategy for a member to press for resolution of a sharp conflict among board members.
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