Bylaws

Bylaws form a legally binding document that outlines the organizational authority levels, how the board functions, and how it is structured. This document is unique to every organization but it should always address a number of specific issues including:

• name and location of organization
• statement of purpose
• election, roles, and terms of board members and officers
• membership issues (categories, responsibilities)
• meeting guidelines (frequency, quorum)
• board structure (size, standing committees, if any)
• compensation and indemnification of board members
• role of chief executive
• amendment of bylaws
• dissolution of the organization

The board should have a process in place to review the bylaws every couple of years. This assignment is best carried out by a board task force formed for the purpose. There is no need to have a permanent bylaws committee.

Here are some sample bylaws. NOTE: Please, do not adopt anyone else’s bylaws. Let your board decide on every clause.

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, https://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/resources-tools

BoardSource, https://boardsource.org/shop/

Foundation Center, https://grantspace.org/types/knowledge-base/