Organizing and Maintaining a Nonprofit Corporation in Connecticut

- Getting Started -

This summary is designed to give you general assistance in organizing and maintaining a nonprofit charitable corporation in Connecticut. The process can be complicated and the drafting of complex documents may be necessary. Before beginning the process of nonprofit incorporation, consider the following questions:

 

Does the program address important needs that are not being met in the community?

 

Are there enough committed individuals to ensure the ongoing success of the venture?

 

Can the program generate ongoing financial support?

 

In presenting this summary, the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy is not giving legal or tax advice. You may need the assistance of an attorney, a competent advisor or other trained professional.

What is a nonprofit charitable organization?

A nonprofit organization is one formed for some purpose other than to make a profit. There are many kinds of nonprofit organizations, yet the shared characteristic of charitable ones is that they exist to provide a service to the general public or a significantly large segment of the population. Examples of nonprofit charitable corporations include adult literacy programs, visiting nurse associations, child and family services, and cultural and arts organizations.

 

For the purposes of this summary, references to nonprofit and/or charitable organizations or corporations presume that such groups will:

 

1.  Incorporate as nonstock, nonprofit organizations under Connecticut law.

 

2.  Apply for federal tax-exempt status.

 
 Find out how to incorporate as a nonprofit organization.

 

 

This summary was compiled by Attorney Joan Parker and edited by Marilyn Meyerson-Wood. 
 

Connecticut Council for Philanthropy  |  221 Main Street  |   Hartford, CT 06106
 860.525.5585  |  Fax: 860.525.0436  |  ccp@CTphilanthropy.org