Maine Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create a Maine 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: | Maine Department of the Secretary of State - Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or in-person |
| Agency Fee: | $40 + optional $50-$100 expedite fee |
| Turnaround: | ~3 months. ~24 hours for $50 expedite fee. Immediately for $100 expedite fee. |
| Law: | Maine Revised Statues - Title 13-B: Maine Nonprofit Corporation Act |
| Notes: | When filing by mail, include the filer contact cover form. Original signatures are required. |
Other Helpful Maine Facts
As you are preparing to incorporate, keep in mind the following requirements specific to Maine, keep in mind:
Maine Directors
- Number: minimum 3
- Qualifications: None. No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
- Term: 1 year
- Quorum: majority
- Committee: minimum 2 directors on the executive committee; no minimum on other committees
Maine Officers
- A president, a secretary or clerk, a treasurer and such other officers and assistant officers as may be deemed necessary
- Term: 1 year
- Two or more offices may be held by the same individual.
Maine Members
- Members: optional
- Annual meeting: required
- Quorum: 1/10th votes
