Are bylaws filed with the state of California? No. Your corporate bylaws are internal documents, which means they should be kept on file with your business records.
Although organizations don't need to file these bylaws with the state, California law requires that the treasurer or other designated member of the organization maintains a copy on file.
Code § 5510. A California nonprofit corporation must have: 1) either a chairperson of the board or a president or both; 2) a secretary; and 3) a treasurer or a chief financial officer or both.
§ 460/4 | Effective Jan. 1, 2024, a charitable organization with annual contributions more than $500,000 must file an audited financial statement prepared by an independent CPA. A charitable organization with contributions between $300,000 and $500,000 must file a financial statement with the Attorney General.
Traditionally, when starting a nonprofit, the best choice for legal structure is to form a nonprofit corporation at the state level and to apply for 501(c)(3) tax exemption at the federal level.
Top-down. A top-down org chart has the board of directors at the top, followed by the executive team, and then the staff. Decision-making authority flows from the top down, with limited input from lower levels. This org chart is suitable for larger nonprofits that need strong, centralized leadership.
Each nonprofit organization's structure is a little different, but they all have three core elements: governance, administration, and programs. Within these areas, there will be multiple functions, and all the work should contribute to advancing the nonprofit's mission.
An incorporated charity, as mentioned above, is recognised as a legal form (like a company). This means it can own property and sign contracts in the charity name. Incorporation is beneficial as it gives trustees greater protection from being personally liable.
Traditionally, when starting a nonprofit, the best choice for legal structure is to form a nonprofit corporation at the state level and to apply for 501(c)(3) tax exemption at the federal level.