How to Write Non-Profit Bylaws

Having bylaws are important because they serve as a guide to the dos and don'ts of the nonprofit. Not all nonprofit bylaws are identical, for they are designed to fit the needs of that particular organization.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
    
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   The first step, you may have the articles listing the name of the nonprofit and the purpose.
   
   Example
   
   ARTICLES I - Name, Purpose
   
   Section 1: The name of the organization shall be ______________________.
   
   Section 2: _______________ is organized exclusively for charitable, religionous, and educational purposes, more specifically to assist females of all economic backgrounds to build their self-esteems.

2. 
    
   how to write nonprofit bylaws

   The second step, you may list membership and meetings information.
   
   Example
   
   Article II - Membership
   
   Section 1: Membership shall consist only of the members of the board of directors.
   
   Article III - Monthly Meetings
   
   Section 1: The date and time/place of the monthly meeting shall be decided upon by the board.
   
   Section 2: Special meetings may be called upon by any member on the board on any matter of immediate importance.

3. 
    
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   The third step, you may list information about the Board of Directors, conflict of interest, and qualifications.
   
   Example
   
   Article IV - Board of Directors
   
   Section 1: Board Role, Size, and Compensation. The Board is responsible for overall policy and direction of _______________. The Board shall have up to ___ and fewer than ____ members.
   
   Section 2: Conflict-of-Interest Policy
   
   No member of ______________ shall derive any personal profit, directly or indirectly, because of his or her participation with _________________. Each individual shall disclose any personal interest which he or she may have in any matter pending before ____________ and shall refrain from participation in any decision on such matter. Any member of ______________ shall refrain from obtaining any list of ______________ clients for personal or private solicitation purposes during the term of their affiliation.
   
   Section 3: Abuse of Conflict-of-Interest Policy
   
   A board member can be removed from office for abusing the conflict-of-interest policy with 2/3 of the vote from the board.
   
   Section 4: Qualifications to be a Board Member
   
   A) Board members must put ____________ welfare above other interests when making decisions
   
   B) Board members must not have a "hidden agenda" for being on the board.
   
   C) Board members must have the ability to offer constructive criticism and has the time, dependability, and commitment to serve.

4. 
    
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   The fourth step, you may list information about the quorum, officers and duties.
   
   Example
   
   Section 5: Quorum. A quorum must be attended by at least 75% of the board members before business can be transacted or motions made and passed.
   
   Section 6: Officers and Duties. There shall be seven officers, including a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
   
   The Vice-Chair will help guide in the overall planning and strategy by assisting with the budget, and help to develop fundraising plans.
   
   The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records, including the taking of the minutes at all board meetings, distributing copies of the minutes and the agenda to each board member, and ensuring that records are maintained.
   
   The Treasurer will make a report at each board meeting, assist in the preparation of the budget, help develop fundraising plans, and make financial information available to board members.

5. 
    
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   The fifth step, you may list information about loans, new board members, and resignation, termination, and absences.
   
   Example
   
   Section 7: Loans. No loans shall be made by _____________ to any board member.
   
   Section 8: New Board Members. Nominations for new members can be made at any scheduled meeting.
   
   Section 9: Resignation, Termination, and Absences. Resignations from the Board may be done verbally at one of the scheduled meetings or in writing. A board member can be removed for excess absences. Excess absences are three unexcused absences in a year. A board member can also be removed for abuse of the bylaws by a ¾-majority vote from board members.

6. 
    
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   The sixth step, you may list information about dissolution or sale of assets.
   
   Example
   Article V. Dissolution or Sale of Assets.
   
   A 2/3 vote from the Board shall be required to dissolve put name of company. Upon dissolution of ___________, any assets remaining after payment of or provision for its debts and liabilities shall, consistent with the purposes of ________________, be paid to other charitable organizations exempt under the provisions of section 501©(3) of the IRS Code. No part of the net assets or net earnings of ________________ shall inure to the benefit of or be paid or distributed to any board member of ________________________.

7. 
    

   The seventh step, you may list information about amendments.
   
   Example
   
   Article VI - Amendments
   
   Section 1: These bylaws may be amended when necessary by a 2/3 majority vote from board members. Proposed amendments may be submitted to the board during any scheduled monthly meeting.

8. 
    

   The last step, you may list the approval date of the bylaws by the Board of Directors.
   
   Example
   
   These bylaws were approved at a meeting with all the board members of ______________. Date: _______________________

[ringgold]

on 8/13/2009 Great document !!!

[ynohtna]

on 7/19/2009 Great info thanx! 5*