How to Start a Nonprofit in Missouri

Introduction

If you’re hoping to start a nonprofit corporation in Missouri, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose a name for your organization and prepare and file its Articles of Incorporation.

Choose a name for your nonprofit.

Once you’ve decided to start a nonprofit, it’s time to name your organization. A name is important because it is the first impression people will have of your corporation, so choose carefully. In most cases, the name should include some combination of the following:

• A keyword or phrase that describes what you do (e.g., “children’s literacy centre”)
• A specific geographic location or region (e.g., “Kansas City Humane Society”)
• A reference to an industry or type of business (e.g., “Grow Missouri”)

The name you choose must be distinguishable from the names of other business entities already on file.

The name you choose must be distinguishable from the names of other business entities already on file in your state. Names must contain one of the following words or abbreviations: “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Limited” or “Company”—unless you are a nonprofit corporation, in which case it can only contain “Nonprofit Corporation,” “Nonprofit Limited Liability Company,” or similar wording reflecting its status as a nonprofit entity.

Names may also include words such as Foundation, Institute and Society but cannot be identical to any other Missouri-registered business name except for an exact name match with another Missouri-registered business entity (e.g., XYZ Nonprofit Corp).

The name chosen should not imply that it is sponsored by another corporation if this is not true; nor should it imply that an individual is associated with the organization when he/she is not.

It must contain one of the following words or abbreviations: “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Limited” or “Company.”

A nonprofit corporation must contain one of the following words or abbreviations: “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Limited” or “Company.”

It must also be distinguishable from the names of other business entities already on file with the Missouri State. Also, keep in mind that it cannot contain language stating or implying that it is organized for a purpose other than one or more exempt purposes.

It may not contain language stating or implying that it is organized for a purpose other than one or more exempt purposes.

When you name your nonprofit, it must not contain language stating or implying that it is organized for a purpose other than one or more exempt purposes. Your name may not include:

• A living person’s name
• The name of a deceased person (including the last name of a deceased person)
• A fictional character or work of fiction (such as Harry Potter)
• Any business entity already on file with the Missouri Secretary of State

Register your nonprofit’s name by filing an Application for Reservation of Name.

You’ll have to register your name by filing an Application for Reservation of Name. You can do this online or by mailing in a paper application. You’ll need to provide: The name of your organization, including any abbreviations

• The address where you plan to operate
• Your website address
• The name of the registered agent for your organization
• The signature of an authorized officer of your organization

The fee is $20, and you can pay online or by mail. You’ll receive a certificate of reservation once your application has been processed. You can reserve your name for a period of up to five years. You must renew your reservation every five years by filing an Application for Renewal of Reservation of Name. If you need to change your registered agent, you can file a Change of Registered Agent form. The fee is $20, and you must submit an Application for a Reservation of Name in order to process the change.

Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation with the Missouri Secretary of State.

The next step is to prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with the Missouri Secretary of State. The Articles must be in writing and signed by all incorporators, or one person if there are no other incorporators. In addition to basic information about your nonprofit, it should contain:

• The name of the corporation
• The address of its registered office (usually where you keep official records)
• The names and addresses of each incorporator

Conclusion

The Articles of Incorporation is a document that must be filed. Once you have your nonprofit’s name reserved, you can file the Articles of Incorporation online through Trademark Avenue’s website. We can help ensure that your nonprofit’s Articles of Incorporation are in order and ready to file. We can also help with other important legal documents such as bylaws, operating agreements and more.