Oregon Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create a Oregon 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: | Oregon Secretary of State - Corporations Division |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, fax, or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $50 |
| Turnaround: | ~7-10 business days by mail. ~1-2 business days by fax. Instantly online. |
| Law: | Oregon Revised Statutes - Chapter 65: Nonprofit Corporations |
| Notes: | Nonprofit corporations are required to be classified in one of three categories: religious, public benefit, or mutual benefit. See form instructions. |
Other Helpful Oregon Facts
As you are preparing to incorporate, keep in mind the following requirements specific to Oregon, keep in mind:
Oregon Directors
- Number: Minimum 1 individual for a mutual benefit or religious. Minimum 3 individuals for a public benefit corporation
- Qualifications: Individuals No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
- Term: default is 1 year, 5 year maximum
- Quorum: majority
- Committee: minimum 2 directors
Oregon Officers
- A president, a secretary, and a treasurer are required.
- Two or more offices may be held by the same individual.
Oregon Members
- Members: optional
- Regular meeting: required annually
- Quorum: presence of votes
