Bylaws are developed during the incorporation phase of your entity’s formation. Bylaws are the rules that govern the internal management of the organization. They are written by the organization’s founder and cover, at minimum, topics such as how directors are elected, how meetings of directors are conducted, what officers the organization will have and their duties, the role of the executive committee, the committees of the board, how amendments are made to the bylaws, and the process of dissolving the corporation. Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation are the primary official documents of the corporation. The particular requirements for bylaws are set by the state in which the charity is incorporated.

Typical committees of the board might include the following:

• Audit and Investment
• Building and Grounds
• Budget
• Capital and Endowment
• Finance
• Fundraising
• Kitchen and Equipment
• Patron Relations
• Personnel
• Programs
• Security

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