North Dakota Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation

Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create a North Dakota 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:	North Dakota Secretary of State
Form:	North Dakota Nonprofit Corporation Articles of Incorporation (SFN 13003)
Instructions:	How to Begin and Maintain a Nonprofit Corporation in the State of North Dakota
Filing Method:	Mail, fax or online.
Agency Fee:	$40
Turnaround:	~30 days. No expedite options available.
Law:	North Dakota Century Code §10-33
Original Ink:	Not Required
Notarization Required?:	Not Required

Other Helpful North Dakota Facts

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

North Dakota Directors

• Number: minimum 3
• Qualifications: Individuals. No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
• Term: default is 1 year, 10 year maximum for fixed members
• Quorum: majority
• Committee: minimum 1 person who need not be a member or director, except the litigation committee which must contain a minimum of 1 independent directors or other independent persons.

North Dakota Officers

• A president and secretary are required.
• Qualifications: 18 years of age or older

North Dakota Members

• Members: optional. No members by default.
• Regular meeting: required annually
• Quorum: 1/10th votes