The first step in our comprehensive guide, How to Start a Charitable in Alabama, is to choose a name for your 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Choosing the correct name is one of the most essential choices any entrepreneur will make. We’re here to assist with our comprehensive guide on selecting, authenticating, and registering an Alabama charity name in three simple stages.
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In 3 Simple Steps, Name Your Nonprofit
It is simple to name your Alabama nonprofit. Simply follow these three easy steps to get the greatest name for your 501(c)(3) organization (3).
GO AHEAD.
Step 1: Adhere to Alabama’s Nonprofit Naming Rules.
Step 2: Determine whether your business name is available.
Step 3: Register the Name of Your Nonprofit
Step 1: Adhere to Alabama’s Nonprofit Naming Rules.
The most frequent technique to create a nonprofit is to incorporate. While corporate name restrictions vary by state, several criteria apply worldwide. Alabama’s state standards include the following:
Your corporation’s name, including any reserved names, must be unique within your state.
Your company’s name cannot include any terms that may indicate it is associated with a government entity.
Without the proper license, your corporation’s name cannot incorporate terms like “university,” “bank,” or “trust.”
It is not necessary for your charity to contain an identification such as “company,” “incorporated,” “limited,” or any other comparable acronym.
Pay special attention to the terminology of your nonprofit’s name if you want to apply for tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Any statements that indicate a political or lobbying connection may make it difficult for you to apply for 501(c)(3) status.
Step 2: Check to See If Your Company Name Is Available
After you’ve decided on one or more names for your organization, you’ll need to check to see whether they’re still available.
Alabama Corporation Lookup
A nonprofit company in Alabama must have a distinct name. You may simply verify whether your desired name is available by utilizing the Alabama Business Entity Search tool.
Domain Name Lookup
We highly advise you to additionally check to see whether your company name is accessible as a web domain (URL). Even if you don’t intend to construct a company website right away, you should purchase the domain name to prevent others from gaining it. It’s a completely free search.
Federal Trademark Lookup
Using the federal Trademark Electronic Search System, you may quickly see whether your preferred charity name has already been trademarked. Even if you do not intend to incorporate a nonprofit right away, this is essential.
You may register for a trademark for your organization after you have confirmed that no one else has previously trademarked your selected name.
If you need assistance in creating a logo for your organization, consider branding your company with our Free Logo Generator! Get a one-of-a-kind logo in minutes and begin creating your nonprofit’s identity right now.
Search the Web and Social Media
A good social media presence can help you reach out to prospective contributors or customers who will employ your services. As a result, before registering your preferred name, check the web and prominent social media platforms for it to confirm it is accessible on all platforms where you want to advertise your group.
Step 3: Register the Name of Your Nonprofit
After you’ve decided on a name for your charity and confirmed its availability, the following step is to register the name. You have many choices for registering your name:
Fill out a Name Reservation Form for a Corporation Fill out a DBA Name
Request a Name Reservation
Domestic nonprofit companies in Alabama must apply for a name reservation before formation. Online filers may reserve their name at the time of creation, although mail-in filers must do so at least two weeks in advance.
Aside from this need, reserving a name might be advantageous — particularly if you aren’t ready to incorporate but want to assure the availability of your preferred name.
To make a name reservation in the state of Alabama, follow these steps:
Submit a name reservation online along with a filing fee of $27 to $28.
Mail a name reservation together with a $25 filing fee.
Name bookings in Alabama are valid for one year and may be renewed online for a charge.
Create a Corporation
Incorporating is the most frequent method to create a charity, and it is the next step in making your organization official once you have chosen a name. In Alabama, there are a few simple procedures to forming a corporation:
Your Company’s Name
Select a Registered Agent
Select the Initial Directors and Share Structure for Your Corporation
Deposit the Formation Documents
Obtain an EIN
Request a DBA Name
In Alabama, filing a trade name, also known as a doing business as (DBA) name, permits your charity to operate under a name other than its official registered company name. This is particularly useful if you wish to modify the name of an existing company without amending its Certificate of Formation.
How to Pick the Best Name for Your Nonprofit
It is critical to choose the correct name for your firm. We suggest following these recommendations when selecting a name that best symbolizes your nonprofit’s goal and purpose:
Make your point. The name of a charity should be straightforward and detailed enough to express its objective. Avoid employing ambiguous phrases or concepts that may mislead funders and potential customers about the objective of your organization.
Make it unforgettable. When choosing a name for a firm, rememberability is critical. Choosing a name that will stay in the minds of individuals who hear it can not only increase your nonprofit’s awareness among contributors and volunteers, but will also make it simpler for prospective customers to locate your services.
Maintain a professional demeanor. Nonprofits depend largely on their public image to attract funders or consumers who may need their services — and their initial impression will be based on the name of your organization. As a result, your organization need a professional name that conveys a genuine commitment to its goal and purpose.
Make it personal. Whether your organization serves animals, displaced people, or any other group, emotion and compassion are inextricably linked. Choosing a name that appeals to the emotions of both contributors and customers can aid in the development of trust and the legitimacy of your company.