Groups in Oregon must apply for nonprofit status.
Nonprofit organizations in Oregon must abide by rules and guidelines established by the legislature. To qualify as a nonprofit, an organization must be categorized as one of three types: a mutual benefit association, with advantages of membership, such as a club; a public benefit group, such as an animal rescue, which serves the community; or an organization formed primarily for religious purposes.
Incorporation
To become recognized as a nonprofit organization, a group must submit articles of incorporation to the Oregon Secretary of State. This must be done prior to applying to become a tax-exempt entity with the IRS and receiving nonprofit status. Articles of incorporation must include the group's name, the names and addresses of the founders, business address, and information about how the assets will be distributed if the organization is dissolved. Once articles of incorporation have been submitted, the Secretary of State has 10 business days to file the articles or to refuse to file and return the articles to the organization or its representative.
Organizational Meeting
After incorporation, the new group's board of directors must conduct an organizational meeting to appoint officers and adopt bylaws. The bylaws must contain provisions for managing and regulating the nonprofit's affairs, including admission of members, as well as emergency bylaws and powers. These emergency bylaws include procedures for calling a meeting of the board of directors, requirements for the meeting, and designation of additional or substitute directors.
Annual Meetings
Oregon requires that a nonprofit organization with members hold an annual membership meeting. The time and place for this meeting must be stated in the bylaws. The meeting must report the activities and financial condition of the nonprofit organization; leaders are required to allow members to consider and act on other matters that may be raised at the meeting.
Additional Filings
Changes within the nonprofit organization may require additional filing with the Oregon Secretary of State. Amendments to a group's articles of incorporation require resubmission of the articles. Articles of merger must be submitted after the board of directors approves such a plan. If the organization decides to disband it must give the Oregon Attorney General written notice, including a copy or summary of the plan of dissolution. The organization may then submit articles of dissolution once authorized by the Attorney General.
Tags: nonprofit organization, articles incorporation, board directors, Secretary State, Attorney General, emergency bylaws