I recently received a question about "bylaws" for a nonprofit organization. Below is a great resource provided by "The Foundation Center".  This article does a good job of explaining what bylaws are.

If you need more information or have other questions about starting, managing or growing your faith based nonprofit send us an email to Questions@urbanawarenessusa.org or call us 24/7 @ (866) 975-8722 ex525 for free recorded information or visit: http://www.urbanawarenessusa.org.

We hope the information provided today is helpful!

In Service To Christ,

Tracy J. Brown, CEO
Urban Awareness USA
http://www.urbanawarenessusa.org

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Provided by "The Foundation Center"
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Bylaws are your organization’s operating manual. They define:

• Size of the board and how it will function
• Roles and duties of directors and officers
• Rules and procedures for holding meetings, electing directors, and appointing officers
• How grant monies will be distributed
• Other essential corporate governance matters

State nonprofit laws usually address nonprofit governance matters. However, you can choose different rules, as long as they don’t violate state law and are included in your bylaws. If you choose to follow state law, restating them in your bylaws will ensure that all your operating rules are in one document.

Bylaws are not public documents, but making them readily available increases your accountability and transparency and encourages your board to pay closer attention to them. Your board should review them regularly and amend them accordingly as your organization evolves.

An exempt organization that is required to file an annual return must report name, address, and structural and operational changes on its return. Organizations that do not have to file an annual return may also report these changes to the EO Determinations Office. Some states may also require you to file bylaws and report changes.

To find sample bylaws, please see the resources below, or try an Internet search for “nonprofit bylaws” plus word(s) that describe your nonprofit (e.g., youth, environment, church, CDC). For example, “church nonprofit bylaws”.

Please note that bylaws are very specific for each organization, so you will want to change them to meet your own nonprofit’s needs. 

About Tracy J. Brown

Mr. Tracy J. Brown, devoted father and husband, is a distinguished author, speaker, businessman and urban development expert.  He has achieved national prominence by teaching individuals, ministries and organizations how to socially and economically advance our urban communities to greatness using biblical stewardship principles. In 2004, Mr. Brown founded the nationally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, Urban Awareness USA, Inc., which  provides educational resources & consulting to faith-based and community organizations to help them enhance the lives of the communities they serve. 

Other Resources

SAMPLE BYLAWS

HOW TO DEVELOP BYLAWS
(this is a good resource for ANY nonprofit)

Click Here to buy Tracy J. Browns book
 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org