Sample non-profit constitution and bylaws

Constitution of [Charitable Organization Name]

Article 1: Name

The name of the organization shall be [Charitable Organization Name], hereinafter referred to as “the Organization.”

Article 2: Purpose

The purpose of the Organization shall be to [state the mission and objectives of the organization].

Article 3: Membership

1. Eligibility: Membership is open to [describe eligibility criteria].
2. Types of Membership: The Organization shall have the following types of membership: [list types, e.g., active, honorary, etc.].
3. Rights and Responsibilities: Members shall have the following rights and responsibilities: [detail rights and responsibilities].

Article 4: Governance

1. Board of Directors: The Organization shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of [number] members.
2. Officers: The officers of the Organization shall be [list officers, e.g., President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer].
3. Elections: Elections for the Board of Directors and officers shall be held [frequency and process for elections].
4. Terms of Office: The terms of office for Board members and officers shall be [length of terms].

Article 5: Meetings

1. Annual General Meeting: An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held [time and place].
2. Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by [who can call special meetings].
3. Quorum: The quorum for meetings shall be [number or percentage of members required].

Article 6: Committees

The Organization may establish committees as necessary to carry out its objectives. Committees shall be [describe structure and function of committees].

Article 7: Finances

1. Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the Organization shall be [start and end dates].
2. Budget: The budget shall be prepared annually by [who prepares the budget] and approved by the Board of Directors.
3. Audits: The Organization’s financial records shall be audited [frequency] by [who conducts audits].

Article 8: Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by a [majority or other required vote] vote of the members present at the AGM or a special meeting called for this purpose, provided that the proposed amendments have been distributed to the members at least [time period] prior to the meeting.

Article 9: Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, the assets of the Organization shall be distributed to [name of another charitable organization or purpose in line with the Organization’s mission].

Bylaws of [Charitable Organization Name]

Article 1: Membership Dues

1. Dues: Annual membership dues shall be [amount].
2. Payment: Dues are payable by [date] each year.

Article 2: Duties of Officers

1. President: The President shall [list duties].
2. Vice-President: The Vice-President shall [list duties].
3. Secretary: The Secretary shall [list duties].
4. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall [list duties].

Article 3: Meetings

1. Notice of Meetings: Notice of meetings shall be given [how and when notice is given].
2. Order of Business: The order of business at meetings shall be [list order of business].

Article 4: Committees

1. Standing Committees: The Organization shall have the following standing committees: [list committees].
2. Ad Hoc Committees: Ad hoc committees may be established as needed by [who can establish ad hoc committees].

Article 5: Financial Management

1. Bank Accounts: The Organization’s funds shall be kept in [name of bank] and managed by [who manages the bank accounts].
2. Expenditures: Expenditures over [amount] must be approved by [who approves large expenditures].

Article 6: Records and Reports

1. Minutes: The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings.
2. Financial Reports: The Treasurer shall present a financial report at each meeting and an annual report at the AGM.

Article 7: Conflict of Interest

All Board members and officers shall disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from decisions where a conflict exists.

Article 8: Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended by a [majority or other required vote] vote of the Board of Directors, provided that notice of the proposed amendments has been given at least [time period] prior to the meeting.

Download Sample non profit constitution and Bylaws

Author: cesra

CESRA accreditation goes beyond listing—it's about elevating charitable standards through rigorous evaluation and accountability. We ensure only organizations meeting our high sustainability and transparency benchmarks are accredited. This distinguishes CESRA members as credible entities in the nonprofit sector, committed to trust, integrity, and impactful social contribution. Joining CESRA aligns with a network dedicated to fortifying nonprofits through meaningful societal impact. Experience the difference where accreditation stands for responsibility and trust, ensuring only reliable entities contribute to a sustainable charitable landscape