Resources - Starting a Group

Sample board member position description from the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Association, http://refugefriendsconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Board-Member-Position-Description-1.doc

Sample board officer position description from the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Association, http://refugefriendsconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ONWRA-board-officer-position-descriptions.doc

This checklist is provided by National Wildlife Refuge Association and intended only as guidance for starting your nonprofit.

2-page, PDF, 82 KB

Defining what your organization purpose and how you achieve it is critical to your success. This one-hour webinar helps you create your mission and vision statements.

2-page PDF from Alliance for Justice on the process for electing the 501(h) expenditure test

Does your missions statement accurately reflect why your organization exist and what you want to achieve?

Link to IRS website on how to apply to be Tax-Exempt. Provides information on:

• Applying for Exemption
• After You Apply
• More Information from the IRS

Link to IRS site describing requirements for a 501(c)(3). 

Sample attachment for form 1023 for a 501(c)(3) corporation from BolderAdvocacy.

5-page, PDF, 844 KB

Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

28-page, PDF, 844 KB

Sample Articles of Incorporation from BolderAdvocacy.

3-page, PDF, 131 KB

Sample Conflict of Interest Policy.

Sample bylaws provided by Friends organizations:

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Association, http://refugefriendsconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Ottawa-Bylaws-adopted-by-board-6.4.doc

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, http://refugefriendsconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Approved-Bylaws-12-03-FOR.doc

The Friends of the Refuge - Mississippi River Pools 7 and 8, http://refugefriendsconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/FOR78-BYLAWS-March-8-2016.docx

Sample bylaws from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. The bylaws are intended as only a model for nonprofits with membership.

4-page, PDF, 23.1 KB

The COMPLETE guide to starting and sustaining a Friends Group!

Comprehensive guide to starting and maintaining a nonprofit in Washington state.

http://www.sos.wa.gov/_assets/charities/Washington%20Nonprofit%20Handbook.pdf