Hey JHB
I sent the information in to the IRS. Received note that they got it (end of May) but have not heard anything yet. Thanks for asking. This site really helped me out with all the paperwork!

clr

Crogers,

Whatever happened with your 501(c)(3) filing? I guess if everything went smoothly, you may not have heard anything yet. Did the IRS need you to make any changes? What was your experience like?

The constitution is the founding document that usually includes things like:
- Org Name
- Purpose
- Officers/Structure
- Policies
- Meetings
- Election process

It's fairly broad and lays down the fundamental concepts.

The bylaws are the actual rules by which you run the organization.

So, for example, our Constitution says the following about meetings:

"The Executive Board shall transact official business of the organization at Executive Board meetings and at General Meetings as set."

However, the Bylaws specify much more:

Section 1
1. A general meeting of the organization will be held by September 30th to approve the budget for the fiscal year.
2. Members present at a general meeting shall constitute a quorum.
3. A general meeting of the organization shall be held in May of each year for the purpose of reorganization for the coming year.
4. The President or the Executive Board shall set other general meetings.

Section 2
Executive Board meetings shall be set by the President or by the majority of the Executive Board.

Section 3
Resolutions or recommendations of the Executive Board shall be approved by a majority vote of the members in attendance at any general meeting.

..... etc.

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Note - our IRS rep didn't need us to change the name to "Articles of Association". We sent them as is. However, if you don't have a signed copy. You probably need to send a statement signed by the current officers that the constitution and bylaws were adopted on XYZ date.

I had seen this posted in a earlier thread about this I think you are talking about Articles of Association. See the page pg 18 Chapter 3, of the instructions of Form 1023, Draft A, the IRS told me to change the word incorporation to Association.

I cannot tell you WHY we did this because I just don't know - but our "founding" document is entitled "Constitution and By-Laws".

We are currently completing a 1023. Bylaws have been approved and will be sent in with the form. What is a Constitution? Do we need to provide this when applying or are our bylaws enough. Our bylaws go in to great depth about mission, membership, officers, etc. Help - sending off forms soon!