INSTRUCTIONS: ORGANIZATION OF CALIFORNIA NONPROFIT, NONSTOCK CORPORATIONS

This form is used to form a nonprofit, nonstock corporation in California for religious, charitable, social, education, recreational, or purpose of the like. You’re encouraged to consult with an attorney while completing this form.

“Organization of California Nonprofit, Nonstock Corporations Step 1”

Provide the name of the corporation in Article I. Make sure the name meets the California standards. Visit the following link for more information http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/name-availability.htm.

“Organization of California Nonprofit, Nonstock Corporations Step 2”

The statement within Article IIA is required by law for a mutual benefit corporation, public benefit corporation, or religious corporation. Do not alter this statement in any way.

“Organization of California Nonprofit, Nonstock Corporations Step 3”

Provide the specific purpose of the corporation in Article IIB. Indicate if the corporation plans to apply for the state franchise tax exemption.

“Organization of California Nonprofit, Nonstock Corporations Step 4”

Article III requires information about the corporation’s initial agent. Of the agent is an individual person, include the agent’s name and their business or residential street address. Do not provide a PO Box address or a C/O.

If the initial agent is a corporation, do not write down an address. In order to have a corporation as an initial agent, the corporation must be filed under the Secretary of State.

“Organization of California Nonprofit, Nonstock Corporations Step 5”

Article IV and Article V are required by law and should not be altered in any way. An attorney may suggest different phrasing in some cases.

“Organization of California Nonprofit, Nonstock Corporations Step 6”

Each incorporator needs to sign the bottom of the form. Type the name below the signature as well.

“Organization of California Nonprofit, Nonstock Corporations Step 7”

The filing fees for the Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit, nonstock corporation are $30.00. If the forms are dropped off to the Sacramento Office of the Los Angeles Regional Office, an additional $15 is required.

“Organization of California Nonprofit, Nonstock Corporations Step 8”

Attach the filing fees and any other required documents and mail or deliver by hand. If you’re mailing this form, use the following address and provided a self-addressed, stamped envelope:

Secretary of State

Document Filing Support Unit

P.O. Box 944260

Sacramento, CA 94244-2600

If you’re delivering the forms in person, use either address:

Sacramento Office

1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor

Sacramento, CA

Los Angeles Regional Office

300 South Spring Street, Room 12513

Los Angeles, CA