Bylaws Generator

Why should we use this?

You need to comply with Neighborhoods 2020. And, if you’re like most neighborhoods, you’ve been reworking the same old document bylaws for the last 15 years. What you have is probably convoluted, hard to use, and doesn’t follow current nonprofit best practices.

Bylaws Walkthrough Video

What is IN the bylaws?

Learn what is in the bylaws – what’s a city requirement, a state law or IRS regulation or just my advice as your attorney.

Click here to download a PDF walkthrough

Click here to watch the YouTube video version

How do we tell members about this?

If your group requires a member vote to amend the bylaws, then you will need to tell the members why the board is creating a new set of bylaws. Here’s one way you can say it in a special meeting or annual meeting notice…

“Please come to the upcoming member meeting on _____, 202_. The board approved a new set of bylaws for member ratification and we hope you’ll come vote. The amendment process is being completed with the assistance of our outside legal counsel so that our neighborhood stays in compliance with City of Minneapolis Neighborhoods 2020 updated grant requirements. This update also makes sure the neighborhood is current with all state and federal nonprofit regulations and nonprofit sector best practices. A copy of the new bylaws is available to view on our website at www.___.org/___. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.”

What if we need Jess’ advice or help?

You can schedule a Bylaws Q&A Session for you to sit down with Jess and get your questions answered! Click here to learn more.

Looking for more support? Reach out to Meghan at [email protected] for more details on a full-service bylaws project.

Where are the other policies somewhere?

Yes. You can get all the new or updated policies required by Neighborhoods 2020 in the resource library – just search for them. Need a list? The bylaws, when generated, include a list of what policies the organization must adopt (required by law or the City), and then a list of optional policies which are nonprofit best practices.

We just redid our bylaws are we ok?

Unfortunately, I don’t know. Even if I helped you with your bylaws, they may not have all the N2020 requirements that just came out. And they probably don’t because I’m not a fan of some of them. :s Unless you are 100% sure that your recent set of bylaws meets ALL the N2020 requirements you should use the annotated PDF walkthrough or the Video walk through to find out exactly what parts of the bylaws must meet city requirements.

What if we just want to update our current bylaws?

Now is the best time ever to hit the reset button. I can guarantee the new set will be better than what you have today, but not everybody wants to go through the ordeal, I get it. Feel free to generate some new bylaws and take the provisions you are hoping to update. That’s ok too. I think when you see them you might change your mind and want the whole new set!