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ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Discussion
This is the legally binding document used to
establish state corporations. In the articles, the initial board outlines the
corporation’s intended purpose. Upon approval by the state, the proposed
organization becomes a state incorporated organization with legal permission to
conduct business in the state, subject to the state’s incorporation laws. The
original approved articles, stamped with the state seal, should be stored with
other permanent records in a secure location.
Each state has different requirements for articles of incorporation and NPCs should include only what is required by law. Before drafting these documents, contact the state agency that is responsible for incorporation. This may be the
Secretary of State, Department of Commerce, Department of Assessments and
Taxation, or the State Comptroller, etc. Request a packet of information that details the state's incorporation process and contains the necessary forms. Also, many states have an association of nonprofits. Go to the web site of the
National Council of Nonprofit
Associations to determine whether your state has such an association. This
organization will have detailed printed advice about setting up a nonprofit in
the state, and may offer assistance in drafting articles of incorporation and
bylaws.
Helpful resources
National Council of Nonprofit Associations -
http://www.ncna.org/
Sample
Articles of Incorporation
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