There are seven main elements that are required in the Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit corporation. These elements are as follows:

• Name of the Corporation
• A statement indicating whether or not the nonprofit corporation is a charitable or religious corporation as that term is defined in Chapter 55A-1-40(4).
• Registered Office and Registered Agent’s street address, mailing address, if different from the street address, of the corporation’s registered office and the name of the corporation’s initial registered agent are required. The registered office street address and the registered mailing address must be located in North Carolina.
• The principal office street address and the mailing address, if different from the street address.
• The name and address of each incorporator. The document must be signed by at least one incorporator.
• A statement indicating whether or not the nonprofit corporation will have members.
• Provisions regarding the distribution of assets upon dissolution of the nonprofit corporation.

The Articles of Incorporation may set forth additional provisions that the incorporators elect to include.

These additional provisions may include:

• Names of the corporation’s initial directors;
• Provisions not inconsistent with law regarding the purpose or purposes for which the corporation is being formed;
• Provisions for managing the business and regulating the affairs of the corporation; and
• Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit corporation may also include a statement of prohibited activities.

It is important to remember that the corporation’s bylaws are not filed with the Secretary of State.