Do your nonprofit's bylaws need amended?

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Level with me here—was Lifehouse’s “Hanging by a Moment” still topping the charts the last time you thoroughly reviewed your bylaws?

Since your nonprofit’s bylaws are essential to how your organization is governed and operates, it’s important to look out for any hints they may need to be updated. Bylaws should be reviewed and/or amended every few years to ensure they are still relevant, accurate, and effective for your mission.

Here are 3 signs you may need to change your bylaws (and you can find more tips and common mistakes in this free resource).

🚩 They're too restrictive.

Don’t limit yourself to granular or unrealistic requirements. If your bylaws require 90% of the board to agree to make any decision, are you realistically going to get anything done? Do your bylaws bind your board to specifically meet at 8 PM on the first Thursday of every month?

🚩 They're too ambiguous.

Strong bylaws eliminate governance guesswork. Are your bylaws vague about how directors and officers are elected, the lengths of the terms they can serve, how they can be removed, etc.? Anticipate where your bylaws need to be clear and make sure the language is watertight.

🚩 They're outdated.

If your bylaws are 10 years old (or older), there are likely sections that don't apply to your nonprofit anymore, or requirements that are no longer helpful to your nonprofit's trajectory. For example, many nonprofits forget to include whether or not voting can be done via email or Zoom—which has become much more relevant over the past three years.

If you’re ready to refresh your bylaws in the spirit of the new year, reply to this email and let me know. We’re happy to review, revise, and make suggestions so your board can run smoothly.