Chicago Nonprofit Organizational Structuring Attorney
In Chicago and throughout Illinois, there are thousands of nonprofit organizations making important differences in countless lives. The social benefits these nonprofits present is unquantifiable, and there are numerous incentives, including tax incentives, to start up a nonprofit organization in Illinois. Although many nonprofits in the state are quite successful and are growing every year, there is a high potential for ineffective nonprofits to fail.
If you are establishing a nonprofit or you need to restructure your organization to make it more successful, you need a Chicago nonprofit organizational structuring attorney to help develop the framework around which the group is organized and make sure that the nonprofit is operating according to Illinois law under the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986 (805 ILCS 105/).
At James C. Provenza & Associates, PC, we boast over 20 years of helping nonprofits succeed and thrive in Chicago and throughout Illinois, ensuring that bylaws and other matters remain in accord to Illinois law. With comprehensive legal advice and organizational structuring, Attorney James C. Provenza can provide cost-effective, practical solutions to your nonprofit’s most demanding challenges and most beneficial opportunities.
Traditional Nonprofit Organizational Structure
There are essentially three elements required to strengthen the chances of success with your nonprofit, including (1) governance, (2) rules and regulations overseeing operations, and (3) an efficient and effective distribution of work. Beyond these three measures, structuring a nonprofit depends on the membership, the setting, and how far along the nonprofit has come in its development.
For nonprofits without members, the most common type in Illinois, organizational structure typically rests with its board of directors, who manage, control, analyze, and implement the nonprofit’s mission and goals. Above the board of directors, however, is both Illinois law and federal tax laws, both of which can entail highly complicated regulations and defaults for Illinois nonprofits.
Developing a Nonprofit Structure in Illinois
Whether starting a new nonprofit or restructuring an established one (with a goal of greater efficiency and output for the targeted citizenry, for example), organizational structure can be quite complicated, and it is always best practice to have an expert or an experienced attorney to oversee and guide organizational structuring. Better productivity, however, is only one side of the coin, as whenever there’s structuring or restructuring, it is crucial to remain under the regulations established under Illinois nonprofit statutes.
In addition to establishing the articles of incorporation, there are many other important considerations to make when developing nonprofit structure—many of which are dictated or regulated by the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986—such as:
- Naming the corporation (805 ILCS 105/104.05)
- Identifying the board of directors (805 ILCS 105/108.10)
- Determining the corporate purposes (805 ILCS 105/103.05)
- Establishing a set of bylaws (805 ILCS 105/102.25)
- Establishing organization records (805 ILCS 105/107.75)
- And many others…
It is also important to note that effectively structuring a nonprofit in Illinois also includes the establishment of 501(c) tax designations from the IRS. In terms of practicality, organizational structuring also involves implementing better fundraising campaigns through grants and donations, preparing government forms, and other representative matters.
The Role of a Nonprofit Attorney
Illinois encourages nonprofits and charity work, and by operating a nonprofit organization, you can expect an attractive array of tax benefits. Nonetheless, the state seeks to eliminate any possibility of nonprofits who seek to take advantage of the system through faulty practices—hence, the extensive amount of paperwork and regulations. At James C. Provenza & Associates, PC, we’ve worked with hundreds of nonprofits in the past, and with over 20 years of experience in Chicago and around Illinois, Attorney Provenza can help oversee and provide legal advice on the structuring of your nonprofit.
From making sure that your nonprofit has the necessary paperwork filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, the IRS, and other necessary organizations, you can expect a hassle-free, successful operation. Additionally, Attorney Provenza will structure your nonprofit’s tax reporting requirements, benefit transactions, articles of incorporation and bylaws, board resolutions, and governance matters.
Contact James C. Provenza & Associates, PC For Organizational Structuring Today
Located if beautiful Glenview, Illinois, the office of James C. Provenza & Associates, PC is available for visits Monday through Friday during normal businesses hours. We serve Chicago, Deerfield, and Oakbrook, as well as many other areas throughout the area.
