Document / Practice

Practice 2B: Nonprofit Incorporation and Bylaws

Posted 2017 Updated May 14
Source
Land Trust Alliance
About This Practice

This guidance covers Practice 2B, which includes three elements:

  1. ▲ Incorporate or organize according to the requirements of state law and maintain legal status

  2. ▲ Operate in accordance with established bylaws

  3. Review the bylaws at least once every five years to ensure consistency with current operations, the articles of incorporation and state law

November 2023 update: Additional detail in Practice Element 2B1 on drafting the corporate charter or articles of incorporation.

Accreditation indicator element | ■ Terrafirma enrollment prerequisite | ▲ Required for both

May 2026 update: Updated accreditation requirements for Practice Element 2B2 to reflect the 2026 Requirements Manual.

Disclaimer

These resources are provided "as is" for informational purposes only, without warranty of any kind. They do not constitute legal or professional advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. They may not reflect current legal developments and should be adapted for your organization with qualified professional help. The Alliance is not liable for any damages arising from use of or reliance on these resources. Views in individual posts and third-party links/logos are not Alliance endorsements. The Alliance is committed to equal opportunity and does not condone unlawful discrimination.

For accreditation-related materials, please also consult the Land Trust Accreditation Commission website.