Example Bylaws

A NAHF Chapter at your firehouse or city can make a major difference in your career and the careers of those you work with. Most will generally start or non-proffit organization in order to work towards equal rights and opportunities in the Fire Service.

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Why By-Laws

What are nonprofit bylaws? Where can I find samples?

Bylaws are your organization’s operating manual. They define:

Size of the board and how it will function

Roles and duties of directors and officers

Rules and procedures for holding meetings, electing directors, and appointing officers

Conflict of interest policies and procedures

How grant monies will be distributed

Other essential corporate governance matters

State nonprofit laws usually address nonprofit governance matters. However, you can choose different rules, as long as they don’t violate state law and are included in your bylaws. If you choose to follow state law, restating them in your bylaws will ensure that all your operating rules are in one document.

Bylaws are not public documents, but making them readily available increases your accountability and transparency and encourages your board to pay closer Attn:tion to them. Your board should review them regularly and amend them accordingly as your organization evolves. Chapters are required to have a current set on file with the NAHF

An exempt organization that is required to file an annual return must report name, address, and structural and operational changes on its return. Organizations that do not have to file an annual return must report these changes to the NAHF Office. Some states may also require you to file bylaws and report changes.

Chapters are required to have a current set of By-Laws, and each chapter can use the National By-Laws, however, the NAHF by-laws are designed specifically for the national, and a chapter may want to talor the by-laws to their needs..

Please note that bylaws are very specific for each organization, so you will want to change them to meet your own nonprofit’s needs.

Example Bylaws (PDF) Example Bylaws (Word)