Alaska Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation

Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create a Alaska 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:	Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing - Corporations Section
Form:	Articles of Incorporation
Instructions:	Instructions for Articles of Incorporation Domestic Nonprofit Corporation
Filing Method:	Mail or online
Agency Fee:	$50
Turnaround:	~10-15 business days by mail. Immediately online.
Law:	Alaska Statutes - Chapter 10.20: Alaska Nonprofit Corporation Act
Notes:	The articles of incorporation may also contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation for monetary damages for the breach of fiduciary duty as a director (AS §10.20.151(d)). Submit two copies of the articles of incorporation. Upon approval, one set of articles will be stamped "filed" with the date of filing and retained in the commissioner's office. The other copy will be attached to a certificate of incorporation and returned to you. (AS §10.20.156)

Other Helpful Alaska Facts

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

Alaska Directors

• Number: minimum 3
• Qualifications: Must be natural persons at least 19 years of age. No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
• Term: 1 year
• Quorum: majority
• Committee: minimum 2 directors on executive committee

Alaska Officers

• A president, one or more vice presidents as prescribed by the bylaws, a secretary, and a treasurer are required.
• Two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of president and secretary

Alaska Members

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