Connecticut Nonprofit Corporation
Forming a Connecticut nonprofit corporation has never been easier. The information
below should help you make sense of some of the terminology, requirements, paperwork,
and other important aspects of starting a nonprofit corporation in Connecticut.
What is a nonprofit corporation?
A nonprofit corporation—known as a Nonstock Corporation in Connecticut—is
a type of organization structure in which shares of stock are not sold (as in a
for-profit corporation) to raise capital with profits going to benefit the shareholders.
Rather, a nonprofit corporation's profits are invested back into the entity so that
it can continue benefiting others.
How do I start a nonprofit corporation in Connecticut?
First, it's important to know what type of nonprofit corporation you'd like to start.
If you're simply a corporation conducting general nonprofit activities, then you
will simply register your Certificate of Incorporation for Nonstock Corporation,
similar to
Articles of Incorporation, with CONCORD, the Commercial Recording Division
of the Secretary of State.
However, if you'd like your nonprofit corporation to be a federally tax-exempt charitable
organization, able to accept tax-deductible donations and enjoy other benefits provided
to federally recognized charities, then you'll likely need to apply for 501c3 (or
other 501) status with the IRS.)
Articles of Incorporation
A Connecticut nonprofit corporation will provide, at minimum, the following information
in its Certificate or Articles of Incorporation:
- Corporate Name (must be unique and distinct from other Connecticut corporations
or LLCs on file)
- "The corporation shall: not have members / only have members, which are not entitled
to vote / have one class of members / have multiple classes of members which classes
are designated as follows" (if the last option is selected, manner of election/appointment
and qualification/rights of members must be specified)
- Registered Agent's name/address/signature (can be either an individual or a business
entity in Connecticut)
- Other information*
- Incorporator's name/address/signature
* If forming a Connecticut nonprofit corporation is the end goal, the Nonstock Certificate
of Incorporation does not require additional information here. However, if the entity
intends to go on to apply for 501c3 status from the IRS, certain 501c3 language
must be inserted here. ClickAndInc.com can help with this
501c3 language.
In addition to your Certificate of Incorporation, you'll also need the following
documents:
- Corporate Bylaws
- EIN (Employer Identification Number
- Organization and First Report
- Any required
Business Licenses or Permits
501c3 Nonprofit Status
As mentioned above, if you plan to accept tax-deductible donations, registering
a Connecticut nonprofit corporation is just the first step. Before any tax-exemptions
are granted, you'll first need to be granted
501c3 nonprofit status from the IRS.
The 501c3 application process is a lengthy one, one which can take as many as 9
months or more, but the process starts with your Nonstock Certificate of Incorporation.
Make sure to check with the IRS to make sure you're including the required information.
[Note: When ClickAndInc.com registers your nonprofit corporation, as long as we
know you'd like to register as a 501c3 nonprofit (which we can also help get you
started with), we'll make sure to include the required 501c3 language right away,
with your first filing. No Articles of Amendment required!]
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Other types of businesses in Connecticut
A corporation isn't right for everyone. If you're not sure if a Connecticut corporation
is the right type of business for you, take a look at information on other types
of state entities below: