Arkansas Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation

Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create a Arkansas nonprofit corporation.

Preparing and filing your articles of incorporation is the first step in starting your nonprofit corporation. Approval of this document secures your corporate name and creates the legal entity of the nonprofit. Only after this approval can you apply for 501c, apply for fundraising licenses, open a bank account, and otherwise conduct business.

Benefits

Incorporating provides many important benefits:

  • Limits the liability of directors, officers, and shareholders
  • Fulfills statutory requirements to register your organization's name
  • Is a prerequisite for applying for 501(c) tax exemption
  • Provides governance and adds credibility to the business or organization

Fast Facts

Agency:Arkansas Secretary of State - Business and Commercial Services Division (BCS)
Form:

NPD-1: Articles of Incorporation for Domestic Nonprofit Corporation or NPD-1-501-c-3: Articles of Incorporation for Domestic Nonprofit Corporation - 501(c)(3)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$50 by mail or $45 online

Turnaround:

~2-4 business days by mail or online

Law:

Arkansas Code - Title 4: Business and Commercial Law - Subtitle 3: Corporations and Associations - Chapter 33: The Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1993

Other Helpful Arkansas Facts

As you are preparing to incorporate, keep in mind the following requirements specific to Arkansas, keep in mind:


Arkansas Directors

  • Number: minimum 3
  • Qualifications: An individual. No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
  • Term: default is 1 year, 6 year maximum
  • Quorum: majority
  • Committee: minimum 2 directors

Arkansas Officers

  • A president, a secretary, a treasurer and such other officers as are appointed by the board.
  • Two or more offices may be held by the same individual.
  • Term: 3 year maximum

Arkansas Members

  • Members: optional
  • Annual meeting: required
  • Quorum: 1/10th votes

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