How to File the Articles of Incorporation for a North Dakota Nonprofit

Last Updated: November 21, 2023 By TRUiC Team

Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a critical step in starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in North Dakota. Whether you have been running a charity for a while or are just starting out, your nonprofit organization will need to fill out the Articles of Incorporation and file them with the State of North Dakota. This will allow you to file for 501(c)(3) status and reap the benefits of having an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Want to form a nonprofit elsewhere? Check out our other How to Start a Nonprofit guides.

Don't have time? Use a trusted professional service:

Northwest (Starting at $29 + State Fees).

Starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in North Dakota is easy, just follow these easy steps to file the North Dakota Articles of Incorporation:

If you are starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in North Dakota, you have come to the right place. After reading the comprehensive guide for North Dakota nonprofit formation, follow this guide to file the North Dakota Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.

What is covered in this guide:

Information you will need to file the North Dakota Articles of Incorporation
How to file the North Dakota Articles of Incorporation
North Dakota Nonprofit Formation FAQ

Information you will need to file the North Dakota Articles of Incorporation

To become a nonprofit corporation in North Dakota you must create an account and file the Articles of Incorporation online.

NOTE: North Dakota no longer accepts Form SFN 13003.

In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, you must make sure that your Articles of Incorporation include the following two clauses:

1. The organization's purpose must explicitly be limited to one or more of the following:

Charitable
Religious
Scientific
Literary
Testing for public safety
Fostering national/international amateur sports competition
Preventing cruelty to animals/children

NOTE: You can read the IRS guidlines on their website.

2. Provisions

You must include provisions ensuring that in the event your organization is dissolved, the assets of the organization will be used towards tax-exempt purposes.

Section 5 of this sample document provides an example of these provisions required for 501(c)(3) eligibility.

For help with selecting a name for your nonprofit read our comprehensive guide on how to name a North Dakota nonprofit.

For more information read our guide: What is a registered agent? And The North Dakota Registered Agent Guide.