Building Organizational Capacity
Back to Article Index

By-Laws

Arts service organizations should have printed by-laws that meet with state and federal regulations. By-laws establish how an organization shall be governed.

The by-laws of arts organizations should include:
· the name of the organization;
· purpose;
· membership;
· voting;
· annual meeting;
· board of directors (number and method of selection);
· other officers;
· terms of office;
· powers;
· meeting and voting;
· duties and responsibilities;
· committees (executive, resource development, nominating, fund-raising, etc.);
· fiscal year audit;
· financial reports;
· annual report;
· other reports;
· indemnification;
· amendments.

Model by-laws may be used as a guide, but are adapted to local preferences and requirements. It is essential to have by-laws reviewed by an informed attorney to insure that state and federal regulations for not-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations have been met.

The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has a 28-year history as New York's primary service association for community based arts and cultural organizations. The Alliance provides leadership and vision, and delivers services, resources and tools that strengthen community cultural organizations. The Alliance monitors, informs and mobilizes the field on statewide and national issues affecting the arts and assists local arts agencies in building community support and developing effective grassroots public policy.

245 Love Lane, P.O. Box 96
Mattituck, NY 11952-0096
Phone (631) 298-1234 / Fax (631) 298-1101