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.
The most common nonprofit board member positions are a president (also called the chairperson), vice-chair, secretary, and treasurer. A president, secretary, and treasurer are the mandatory positions, but many nonprofits also have a vice-chair.
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.
All California businesses, including tax-exempt organizations, must apply for a business license to legally operate within the state.
There are 2 ways to get tax-exempt status in California: Exemption Application (Form 3500) Download the form. Determine your exemption type , complete, print, and mail your application. Submission of Exemption Request (Form 3500A) If you have a federal determination letter:
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.
Incorporation gives trustees greater protection from being personally liable. A charity that employs people or promises to provide services (that is, most of them!) will normally choose to be incorporated.
California mandates that all nonprofit organizations and corporations establish bylaws as a fundamental part of their formation process.