How to Draft a Nonprofit Corporation Resolution

A board resolution should always be treated seriously as the proper duty of a board.

A nonprofit board of directors has the responsibility to focus the direction of the organization toward its stated mission. Resolutions, or expressions of the will of the board on certain topics, helps the community to recognize and understand where the direction is headed. Resolutions may be as simple as adding another board member, or as complex as weighing in on a disputed issue of great importance. There is no required legal framework or template for a resolution other than it be signed by the officers of the organization.

Instructions

1. Write a draft of the resolution and present to the board for their comments.

2. Rewrite the draft if necessary and present a final copy to the board for its approval.

3. Present a formal letter containing the resolution to the board officers for their signature.

4. Record the resolution with the meeting minutes and file it with the corporation papers.

References

• Nolo's Plain-English Law Dictionary: Corporate Resolution
• Corporate Resolution Form: Nonprofit/corporate Resolution
• MedLawPlus: Sample Form

Resources

• Findlaw: Checklist--Starting a Non-Profit Corporation