122: Legal Mumbo Jumbo | How to Open a Bank Account for a Nonprofit Chapter

Have you ever tried to open a bank account for your 501(c)(3) and felt like you were navigating a never-ending maze? Well, you're not alone!

In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are here to make that process a whole lot simpler. We’re breaking down the essential steps, from getting all your paperwork in order to avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re a pro or just getting your nonprofit boots on, this chat will leave you feeling ready to confidently tackle your nonprofit’s finances.

We dive into a listener's tricky situation about starting a new chapter of a 501(c)(3) and the hurdles they’ve faced with getting a bank account. Spoiler alert: sometimes the national organization isn’t being unhelpful—they might just be following the rules! With a mix of legal insights and real-world stories, we’ll explain why proper authorization is crucial and how to ensure you’re not accidentally breaking any rules.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what steps to take to open that nonprofit bank account the right way.

In this episode, you will hear: The must-do steps for setting up a nonprofit bank account, from getting incorporated to gathering all the necessary paperwork

A listener's struggle with opening a bank account for a new chapter of a 501(c)(3)

Why having the proper authorization is crucial

The common mistakes people make when setting up nonprofit bank accounts and how to avoid them

The lowdown on how different nonprofit structures (like chapters and affiliates) affect your banking options

Learn why opening a secret bank account is a terrible idea, even if you have the best intentions




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