Corporate bylaws are legally required in Illinois. Illinois statute §805 ILCS 5/2.20 requires that bylaws be adopted either by shareholders at the first shareholder meeting or by directors at the initial director meeting.
The Big Picture Follow the steps below to start a nonprofit organization in Illinois. Pick a name. The name must be unique. Appoint a registered agent. Choose your board of directors. State your charitable purpose. File your articles of incorporation. Create bylaws.
Corporate bylaws are a company's foundational governing document. They lay out how things should run day-to-day and the processes for making important decisions. They serve as a legal contract between the corporation and its shareholders, directors, and officers and set the protocol for how the organization operates.
There must be at least three directors. They do not have to be Illinois residents or corporation members, but you may require these and any other qualifications you choose.
How to Form a Corporation in Illinois Choose a Corporate Name. Appoint a Registered Agent. File Articles of Incorporation. Prepare Corporate Bylaws. Appoint Initial Directors and Hold the First Board Meeting. Issue Corporate Stock. File an Annual Report. Obtain an EIN and Comply With Tax Requirements.
The IRS generally requires a minimum of three board members for every nonprofit, but does not dictate board term length. What is important to remember is that board service terms aren't intended to be perpetual, and are typically one to five years.
The Business Corporation Act of 1983 permits Illinois cor- porations to be formed for any lawful purpose permitted by this act except bank- ing or insurance.