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.
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.
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.
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.
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.