Ask a lawyer
Our On Call attorneys are here for you.
Make your Free Nonprofit Bylaws
If you've just incorporated your nonprofit, generally your next step is to define the structure of your organization. Nonprofit Bylaws constitute a legal document that outlines how your organization... Read more
How It Works
Create your document
Answer a few simple questions to make your document in minutes
Save, print & share
Save progress and finish on any device; download & print anytime
Sign & make it legal
Securely sign online and invite others to sign
Making Nonprofit Bylaws
-
What are Nonprofit Bylaws?
If you've just incorporated your nonprofit, generally your next step is to define the structure of your organization. Nonprofit Bylaws constitute a legal document that outlines how your organization will be governed. They direct many of your nonprofit's activities, such as frequency of meetings, membership requirements, voting procedures, amendment procedures, and more.
-
Do nonprofits have to have bylaws?
Nonprofit bylaws are often required by state law. You can contact your state's Secretary of State for more information regarding your state's particular requirements. This information is usually found on the Secretary of State's website or in another readily accessible location. While Bylaws are not public documents, most nonprofits do make them readily available for transparency reasons.
-
How do I write Nonprofit Bylaws?
While the federal government may not require you to write bylaws, your state might. Regardless of whether they are required or not, it is a good idea to write them. Nonprofit Bylaws define your business operations. Nonprofits are usually governed by more than one person, so having set rules and structure can help the organization run more smoothly.
Information needed to write Nonprofit Bylaws:
- Basic organizational information: nonprofit's name, number of directors and corresponding term limits, type of incorporation, amendment procedures
- Board meeting details: location of meetings, how often meetings will occur, procedures required in order to call special meetings, how meetings will be announced, and quorum size (minimum number of people required for meetings)
- Board of directors information: director qualifications, attendance requirements, removal procedures, definitions of roles, and conflict of interest policies
- Membership information: eligibility requirements, dues, voting rights of members, and quit or termination procedures
You will need to form your nonprofit business entity, write your mission statement, create a business plan and assemble your board.
-
How do you format bylaws?
Erring on the side of simplicity usually is the best way to start. You'll want to consider the longevity of each bylaw, how clear the language is, and how difficult bylaws might be to alter later.
-
How do I find nonprofit bylaws?
If you are seeking a copy of the bylaws of a particular nonprofit organization, you can request a copy directly from the organization. If that is not an option, you can file a form with the IRS for a copy from them.
WHY ROCKET LAWYER?
Easy legal documents at your fingertips
Answer a few simple questions to make your document in minutes
Easily customizable
Make unlimited revisions and copies. Sign online. Share and print anytime.
Legal and reliable
Our documents are vetted by lawyers and legal staff, so you can use them with confidence.
Added protection with Document Defense®
If there's a dispute, an On Call attorney can respond on your behalf. Included in your Premium plan.
Try Rocket Lawyer free for 7 days
Make your Premium document today and get back to doing what you love.