How to Start a Nonprofit in Virginia Name Your Organization. Recruit Incorporators and Initial Directors. Appoint a Registered Agent. Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation. File Initial Report. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) ... Store Nonprofit Records. Establish Initial Governing Documents and Policies.
At minimum, a business located within the jurisdiction of a city or county will generally need a business license. A city or county may have additional licensing and registration requirements for certain business types.
Any non-profit conducting business in Virginia must register as a Non-Stock Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Procedures for filing as a Non-Stock Corporation can be found in the Code of Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act, Sections 13.1-801 through 13.1-946.
A. A board of directors shall consist of one or more individuals, with the number specified in or fixed in ance with the bylaws, or if not specified in or fixed in ance with the bylaws, with the number specified in or fixed in ance with the articles of incorporation.
Any nonprofit group or organization located in Virginia, unless exempt, must register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Your bylaws must comply with Virginia state law, but also serve as a supplement to the code. Your nonprofit will also need to form a conflict of interest policy. This policy will ensure that all decisions made by the board and by the members, is in the best interest of the nonprofit.
Apply for Necessary Virginia State Business Licenses. You may also need additional federal and state business licenses to successfully and legally run your nonprofit. Review federal licenses and permits by business type and activity to see if any apply to your organization.
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.