The first step in our comprehensive guide, How to Start a Nonprofit in Oregon, 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 on selecting, authenticating, and registering an Oregon charity name in four simple stages.
In 4 Simple Steps, Name Your Nonprofit
It is simple to name your Oregon nonprofit. Simply follow these four easy steps to get the greatest name for your 501(c)(3) organization (3).
GO AHEAD.
Step 1: Select an Appropriate Name for Your Nonprofit
Step 2: Adhere to Oregon’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 Oregon’s Nonprofit Naming Rules.
Most charities in Oregon 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. Oregon state criteria include the following:
Your corporation’s name must be distinct from any other name on file in Oregon, including any reserved names.
The name of your company cannot indicate that the organization serves a function other than that stated in the Articles of Incorporation.
The phrases “cooperative” or “limited partnership” are not permitted in the name of your company.
In contrast to many other jurisdictions, Oregon 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
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 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.
The top four searches you should do are as follows:
Oregon Business Name Lookup
Domain Name Lookup
Federal Trademark Lookup
Search the Web and Social Media
Oregon Business Name Lookup
A nonprofit company in Oregon must have a distinct name. You may quickly verify whether your desired name is available by utilizing the Oregon Business 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 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 Oregon 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 make a corporate name reservation in the state of Oregon, follow these steps:
Call the Secretary of State’s office in Oregon at (503) 986-2200.
Alternatively, you may contact the Oregon Secretary of State via their website.
Name reservations for nonprofit businesses in Oregon cost $100 and are valid for 120 days. Once a reservation has expired, it may be renewed.
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 order to form a company in Oregon, follow these simple steps:
Name Your Business
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 Oregon, filing a trade 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.