Virginia Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create a Virginia 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: | Virginia State Corporation Commission |
| Form: | Articles of Incorporation of a Virginia Nonstock Corporation |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $75 |
| Turnaround: | ~7 business days by mail. ~3-7 business day online. Expedited options available for a fee. |
| Law: | Code of Virginia - Title 13.1: Corporations - Chapter 10: Virginia Nonstock Corporations Act |
| Notes: | Submit the original signed articles. |
Other Helpful Virginia Facts
As you are preparing to incorporate, keep in mind the following requirements specific to Virginia, keep in mind:
Virginia Directors
- Number: minimum 1
- Qualifications: None. No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
- Term: 1 year
- Quorum: majority
- Committee: minimum 2 directors
Virginia Officers
- Defined in bylaws or board resolution. One officer prepares minutes of the directors' and members' meetings and authenticates records.
- Two or more offices may be held by the same individual.
Virginia Members
- Members: optional
- Regular meeting: required annually
- Quorum: 1/10th votes
