Your bylaws are legally binding—so treat them as such. Failure to comply with your bylaws can result in issues ranging from organizational conflict to personal liability, the rejection or loss of tax-exempt status, and in some cases, lawsuits.
Bylaws are the legally binding rules that outline how the board of a nonprofit will operate. While they are unique to each organization, bylaws generally have a similar structure and use.
Unlike employee guidelines, bylaws pertain to board-level decisions and actions about the day-to-day running of the business. Think of them as legal guidelines for your business, any action that violates them could be challenged in court.
The purpose of corporate bylaws is to establish an internal decision-making structure and clarify the relationships between key stakeholders in a company. These parties include: Shareholders who own the corporation. Directors responsible for the overall direction of the company.
Corporate bylaws are legally required in Georgia. The board of directors usually adopts initial bylaws at the first organizational meeting.
The bylaws are the regulations of a corporation. They contain the basic rules for the conduct of the corporation's business and affairs.
Additionally, reviewing bylaws is required when there's a situation that was not previously anticipated that might conflict with the existing bylaws. Typically, for-profit and nonprofit bylaws need to be reviewed at least every two years, but no less than every five years.
A court of law will side with your bylaws in any dispute brought by another board member, an employee, volunteer or recipient of services who may have a grievance. Keep your bylaws relevant.
By-laws are the legislation of a municipality, similar to the legislation made by the National and Provincial Governments. However, any by-laws that conflict with national or provincial legislation are invalid. By-laws are intended to give effect to and regulate the policies of a municipality.
How to Start a Nonprofit in Georgia Name Your Organization. Recruit Incorporators and Initial Directors. Appoint a Registered Agent. Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation. Publish Incorporation. File Initial Report. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) ... Store Nonprofit Records.