Steps for Finding Nonprofit Bylaws: Search IRS databases, request from the nonprofit directly, or check state nonprofit registries. Understanding Bylaws' Importance: Bylaws dictate governance, structure, and compliance for nonprofit operations.
Make a draft bylaw Some of the most essential elements that need to be included in a draft bylaw are your organization's name and purpose, information about memberships, the roles and duties of board members, how to handle financial information, and an outline of how to keep the bylaws up to date or amended.
The board president should sign the bylaws and have the secretary attest to the signature or have all board members sign the bylaws. Drafting good nonprofit bylaws is an art that requires careful attention to legal and regulatory requirements.
Bylaws can be easy to write and even easier to change if you are well-organized and have a good plan in place for how to go about it.
Does my tax-exempt organization need to submit changes in its bylaws to the IRS? The Internal Revenue Code 501(c) (3) requires that any tax-exempt organization report changes in bylaws and other governing documents to the IRS every year using IRS Form 990.