In Michigan, How Do You Name a Nonprofit Organization?

The first step in our comprehensive guide, How to Start a Nonprofit Company in Michigan, is to choose a name for your nonprofit organization. Choosing the appropriate name is one of the most significant considerations any 501(c)(3) founder will make. We’re here to assist with our comprehensive guide to selecting, authenticating, and registering a Michigan charity name in four simple stages.

In 4 Simple Steps, Name Your Nonprofit

It is simple to name your Michigan nonprofit. Simply follow these four easy steps to get the greatest name for your 501(c)(3) organization (3).

Step 1: Select an Appropriate Name for Your Nonprofit
Step 2: Adhere to Michigan’s Nonprofit Naming Rules.
Step 3: Determine whether your company’s name is available.
Step 4: Register the Name of Your Nonprofit

Step 1: Select an Appropriate 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.
Before you begin studying their availability, we suggest that you choose at least four to five names that meet your requirements. This method increases your chances of obtaining a distinctive and accessible name.

Step 2: Adhere to Michigan’s Nonprofit Naming Rules.

Most charities in Michigan are corporations, but you may also form a nonprofit as an unincorporated organization, a trust, an association, or a limited liability company (LLC). You must adhere to specified naming standards for each choice.
This article will concentrate on the prerequisites for naming a nonprofit company.

Requirements for a Company Name

The most frequent technique to create a nonprofit is to incorporate. While corporate name restrictions vary by state, several criteria apply worldwide. Michigan’s state requirements include the following:
The name of your company must be distinct from any other name on record in the state of Michigan, including any reserved names.
The name of your company cannot indicate that it was founded for a reason other than what is stated in the Articles of Incorporation.
In contrast to many other states, Michigan does not require the name of a nonprofit organization to contain an identifier such as “business,” “incorporated,” “corporation,” “limited partnership,” “partnership,” or any analogous abbreviation.

Requirements for Tax Exemption

In contrast to many other states, Michigan does not require the name of a nonprofit organization to contain an identifier such as “business,” “incorporated,” “corporation,” “limited partnership,” “partnership,” or any analogous abbreviation.

Step 3: Determine Whether Your Business Name Is Available

After you’ve decided on one or more names for your organization, check to see whether they’re still available. Every charity must have a distinct name, therefore it’s a good idea to check the availability of your preferred name before incorporating.
Michigan Business Entity Search is one of the top four searches you should do.
Domain Name Lookup
Federal Trademark Lookup
Search the Web and Social Media
Michigan Corporation Lookup
A nonprofit company in Michigan must have a distinct name. You may simply verify whether your desired name is available by utilizing the Michigan 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.

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 4: 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:
Apply for a Corporation Name Reservation
Request a DBA Name

Request a Name Reservation

Domestic nonprofit companies in Michigan are not needed to register for a name reservation prior to formation. However, 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 reserve a corporate name in the state of Michigan, follow these steps:
Send an Application for Reservation of Name to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, together with a $10 filing fee.
Fill out the form online using the Michigan Corporations Division’s online filing system.

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 Michigan, there are a few simple stages 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 Number for a DBA Name

In Michigan, filing an assumed name, also known as a doing business as (DBA) name, permits your charity to operate under a name other than its legal, registered company name. This is particularly useful if you wish to modify the name of an existing organization without amending its Articles of Incorporation.