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Illinois nonprofit Articles of Incorporation

Articles of Incorporation create the Illinois not-for-profit corporation. They do not, by themselves, grant federal 501(c)(3) recognition, produce an EIN, or complete charity registration.

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What Form NFP 102.10 establishes

The Articles identify the corporation’s name, registered agent and office, purpose, initial directors, and incorporator. The Secretary of State’s current online instructions list a $50 standard filing fee and require at least three directors.

Information to gather before drafting

  • Exact proposed corporate name and a backup name.
  • Illinois registered agent’s legal name and physical registered-office address.
  • The corporation’s specific activities and intended charitable purpose.
  • Names and addresses of at least three initial directors.
  • Incorporator’s name and address.
  • Appropriate 501(c)(3) purpose and dissolution language if federal recognition is planned.
Important: A state form’s standard language may not answer every federal tax-exemption question. Compare the organizing document with the current Form 1023-series instructions before filing.

What happens after Illinois accepts the Articles

  1. Save the state-stamped or accepted Articles permanently.
  2. Hold the organizational board meeting.
  3. Adopt bylaws and the conflict-of-interest policy.
  4. Elect officers and approve banking resolutions.
  5. Request an EIN from the IRS.
  6. Determine Form 1023 or 1023-EZ eligibility.
  7. Address Illinois charity registration before soliciting or holding charitable assets.

What not to mail with the Articles

Bylaws, internal policies, and organizational minutes are generally governance records rather than attachments to the Illinois Articles filing. Preserve them in the corporate record book unless a government application or professional adviser specifically requests them.

Service boundary: Start Your Cause generates customizable templates and educational guidance. We do not submit filings or government fees to a state agency or the IRS. Review current agency instructions before filing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I file Illinois nonprofit Articles online?

The Illinois Secretary of State provides an online not-for-profit Articles filing system. Confirm that the online option fits the organization’s facts and review the current instructions.

What is the Illinois nonprofit filing fee?

The Secretary of State currently lists $50 for Form NFP 102.10, with additional charges possible for expedited service or payment processing.

Do I send my bylaws to the Illinois Secretary of State?

Bylaws are generally maintained as internal governance records rather than filed with the Articles. Other agencies or applications may request them later.

Who can be the incorporator?

The Illinois online instructions state that the incorporator must be a natural person age 18 or older.

Related nonprofit startup resources

Start a Nonprofit in Illinois →Illinois Nonprofit Bylaws →1023 vs. 1023-EZ Screener →Nonprofit Startup Cost →Board Requirements →Conflict Policy Guide →

Turn your answers into organized documents

Use the guided Start Your Cause questionnaire to prepare formation templates, governance documents, and a state-specific next-step checklist.

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