Incorporation
To the right is a list of documents I used to incorporate GLDN, apply for my EIN number, secure non-profit status, and be ready become a Charter Organization.
While this list is very helpful to get you started, (it worked for me in Pennsylvania) it does to replace the need for competent legal advice in your jurisdiction.
Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation
I kept my Articles of Incorporation very simple. My goal in all of my filings was simplicity. I want to set up the Charter Org so the Scouts could get back to Scouting.
EIN Application
Applying for the Employer Identification Number was relatively easy. See document attached to the left for an example of what I submitted to get the EIN for GLDN.
Bylaws
Bylaws establish how the non-profit will function. How do you vote, change, grow, and simply operate.
Board
Selecting a board is an important consideration. I opted not to include members of our Charter Scout Units to help avoid conflicts of interest. The purpose of GLDN is to provide the legal entity to let Scouts get back to Scouting. I didn't want to complicate it with a lot of politics.
501(c)(3)
The form 1023-EZ for small non-profits is filed electronically only on Pay.gov. Go to www.irs.gof/form1023ex for additional filing information. You must complete the form 1023-EZ Eligibility Worksheet in the instructions for Form 1023-EZ to determine if you are eligible for the form. (form linked here is a sample of the questions you will answer)
Incorporation in PA
Incorporation document for Pennsylvania.
Publication
To complete the creation of a new business, at least in Pennsylvania, you must publish information about your new business in two publications. One legal and one general public publication like a local newspaper.
Conflict of Interest
I found this conflict of interest policy to be helpful to assuage some of the concerns of existing Scout Unit leadership. This helped them realize that GLDN has their best interests at heart.