How to Create a Charity Organization in Oregon

Charity organizations in Oregon can be the source of invaluable resources to many causes. Charitable organizations are incorporated as Nonprofit organizations in the state of Oregon. The Oregon Secretary of State handles the incorporation of organizations within the state. You can create a charity organization in Oregon by yourself, or you can seek legal advice from a qualified attorney.

• 1

  Submit Articles of Incorporation to the Oregon Secretary of State Corporation Division at:

  Secretary of State

  Corporation Division

  255 Capitol St. NE

  Suite 151

  Salem, OR 97310-1327

  You can contact the office by phone for questions at 503-986-2200. Articles of Incorporation solidify your organizations name, the number of individuals within your organization and the destination of assets upon dissolution. You can obtain the form for the articles of incorporation online (see Resources). You can also file the Articles of Incorporation online at the State of Oregon Central Business Registry (see Resources).

• 2

  Pay the filing fee for the Articles of Incorporation. The current fee can be found on the Oregon Secretary of State's website (see Resources).

• 3

  Submit form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption, to the IRS for tax-exempt status at:

  Internal Revenue Service

  P.O. Box 12192

  Covington, KY 41012-0192

  This form will allow you to be 501(c)(3) tax exempt in the state of Oregon. The form describes to the state the intent of your organization, and clarifies your intent for the payment of members. The form and instructions for the form can be found on the IRS website (see Resources). You will receive a letter from the IRS when they have determined if your Nonprofit organization will be tax exempt. If you do not complete form 1023 you will not be able to run your organization as a non profit organization.

• 4

  Pay the filling fee associated with form 1023. Call 800-829-1040 for the current filling fee for form 1023.

• 5

  Draft By-Laws for your charitable organization. By-Laws are rules decided by members of an organization to govern the organization. The rules you will decided will depend upon your member's mindset and the type of charity in which you will be engaging. An example of By-Laws can be found on The 'Lectric Law Library's website (see References).

• 6

  Register with the Oregon Department of Justice. The Attorney General is tasked with the responsibility of representing the public's interest in connection with assets held for charitable purposes. The Attorney General requires all charitable organizations to register with the Department of Justice. Submit Form RF-C to register with the Oregon department of Justice, found on the Oregon department of Justice's website, along with a copy of the Articles of Incorporation, a copy of the By-Laws and a copy of the IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter to:

  Charitable Activities Section

  Oregon Department of Justice

  1515 SW 5th Avenue

  Suite 410

  Portland, OR 97201-5451

  For more information about registering with the Oregon Department of Justice call 503-229-5725.