Church ByLaws 501(c)(3) language
[The following language insertion in a local church Bylaws, brings them into compliance with requirements incumbent on a 501(c)(3) organization] ARTICLE ???. NATURE The [Church Name] is a cooperative fellowship based on mutual agreements, voluntarily entered into by its members. It shall be incorporated as a NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATION, under the laws of the State of Illinois. ARTICLE ???. PURPOSE The principles and purposes of the [Church Name] shall be in keeping with the broad principles of Christian fellowship and cooperation as set forth in the Constitution of The General Council of the Assemblies of God, and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Illinois District Council, which constitution shall hereby become a part of the Constitution of this Church. Said corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distribution in furtherance of the purposes set forth in these bylaws. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidates for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code, or the corresponding provision of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c)(2) of the internal Revenue code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. ARTICLE ???. DISSOLUTION CLAUSE In the event this [Church Name] shall cease to function for the purposes herein set forth, then all property, real or chattel, and all assets remaining after satisfying debts and obligations, shall revert to the parent body, THE ILLINOIS DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation with headquarters in Carlinville, Illinois, or (in the event that the Illinois District Council has ceased to exist) to THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, a Missouri not-for-profit corporation, with headquarters at Springfield, Missouri. The parent body so selected shall have full authority to sell such property and to use the proceeds derived therefrom for the extension of the work of the Assemblies of God. In the event of cessation of this Church, its board of Trustees (or Directors) shall transfer all properties and any remaining assets, in accordance with the foregoing provisions, within one year after the date of such cessation. If such transfer is not made within the time prescribed above or if the aforesaid District Council or General Council shall be unable or unwilling to accept the aforesaid transfer as an organization operated exclusively for religious purposes and is exempt from taxes under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, then disposition thereof shall be made by the court of the county in which the [Church Name] is located to a non-profit fund, foundation or corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes, and which has established its tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and which has purposes nearest to those of The General Council of the Assemblies of God.