Previous Videos in this Series:
- Watch Video 1 if you haven’t already. Checking Not-for-Profit Name Availability with Missouri Secretary of State.
- Watch Video 2a if you haven’t already. How to Create an Account on MO Secretary of State to Register Your Not-For-Profit’s Name.
- Watch Video 2b if you haven’t already. Registering your Non-Profit with Missouri Secretary of State.
This video explains what you will need to include in the Bylaws for your Missouri Not-for-Profit Organization.
NEXT: After you watch the below video, move on to Video 4: Apply for a Federal ID Number (EIN) for a Missouri Nonprofit.
Your Bylaws Need to Have:
- Your Legal Name
- Your Nonprofit’s Purpose
- If you are going to have memberships in your nonprofit, you need an article on this, what makes a person eligible to be a member; what are dues; rights of the member; resignation or termination process; are they a voting or nonvoting member.
- Article on Meetings: how often; what about special meetings; how are notices to be given about the meetings; when you have items to vote – what makes a Quorum; Who can vote
- Article on Board of Directors: who; how long do they serve; qualifications.
- Confidentiality
- Will you have an advisory board?
- Removal of a Board Member: what is the process/ why might this need to be done?
- Article regarding Officers: what officers are you going to have — President; VP; Secretary, Treasure. What are the criteria for them to be elected; how long do they server; what/how do you remove an officer
- Are you going to have committee? If yes which ones; who will head these. Most organizations have the Executive Committee and Finance Committee – there are many others you might need as the organization grows.
- The IRS requires you have a Whistle Blower policy and a Conflict of Interest Policy. There are several samples of these on the internet OR I have some that I have used with other clients.
- Indemnification By-Law says your members/officers will be held harmless, this you may want to seek legal council on.
- You will want an insurance policy that will protect your officers/volunteers and members – talk to your insurance agent to see what is best for your organization. Unfortunately we live in a suing society.
This is just a short summary of Bylaws. Do your research and see what is best for you and your organization. Or, hire T. Benus Associates to help you! Contact Tami: info@TamiBenus.com or Phone: (573) 607-3290
Leave A Comment