How can a nonprofit change its name?

How Can a Nonprofit Change Its Name?

• Answer:

  In some cases, a non-profit organization changes or make adjustments to its mission and programs over time. When this occurs, the name of the organization may seem obsolete and it may be necessary to consider changing its name. Knowing how a non-profit can change its name can prevent you from wasting time and energy. Be sure to file your organization's name change with the state and the IRS to ensure that you are operating legally under your new name and to make your staff and the public aware of your name change. Choosing a New Name The new name for your non-profit organization should focus on its new mission, including programs and the direction you plan to take in the present and the future. Make sure that there is a consensus about the name of the organization among the board of directors. The new name should be voted on by your board of directors. Although you may face some opposition to the name change with the board, staff, and the public, it is important that you change your name if the organization has changed since its founding. Your staff should be made aware of what you are planning to do with the name change and you should discuss what it means and when it will take effect. Let the public know of the name change after you receive your state confirmation letter. State Filing A non-profit should begin the name change process by sending an amendment to the articles of incorporation to the state government where you are incorporated. The documentation that a non-profit sends should include both the new name and the old name of your nonprofit organization. You should include when your name change was approved by the organization's board of directors and enclose the state filing fee. Without this paperwork and the filing fee, the state will not be able to approve the non-profit name change. IRS Filing You should receive a written approval from the state government, which acts as a confirmation within two-three weeks after sending your name change request in to the state. Once you receive the documentation, your organization should prepare a letter for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that details the reason for the name change and when it was approved by your board. Include the confirmation notice provided to your organization by the state and be sure to write your organization's federal identification number on all paperwork. These papers should then be submitted to the IRS so they can update your tax filing information.