Disclaimer:
Please note, this document is a sample only provided in good faith to assist in preparing your own nonprofit’s Articles of Incorporation.  This document was not prepared by an attorney but met the requirements of the state of Florida in 2008.  Be sure to verify the requirements for your particular state for the current year and update appropriately.  
Other resources for creating your nonprofit’s Articles of Incorporation include the website for your particular state’s Department of Corporations/Revenue, the IRS website (www.IRS.gov), other online resources, and books such as “Starting and Building a Nonprofit : A Practical Guide” by Peri Pakroo.
We hope that this sample is helpful to you as you begin your endeavor to help homeless companion animals!

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
In compliance with Chapter 617, F.S. , (Not for Profit)
The above is the appropriate statute for FL, be sure to insert the appropriate statute for your state

ARTICLE I       NAME
The name of the corporation shall be:
The name of your nonprofit with the appropriate suffix ie Inc.

ARTICLE II       PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The principal street address and mailing address is same as that listed on cover letter:
Substitute appropriately: Street, City, State Zip code

ARTICLE III       PURPOSE
This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable 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.
To this end, the corporation is committed to provide …… provide a brief summary of your purpose here. Example: To this end, the corporation is committed to provide mproving the quality of life for homeless felines by providing shelter, food and medical care; as well as finding homes for the felines, assisting and educating the community and controlling overpopulation through responsible spay/neuter. All funds, whether income or principal, and whether acquired by gift or contribution or otherwise, shall be devoted to said purposes.

ARTICLE IV       LIMITATIONS
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 distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article Third hereof. 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 candidate 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 section 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 the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE V       MANNER OF ELECTION
Directors shall be elected as indicated in Bylaws.

ARTICLE VI       INITIAL DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Full name & address of each director/officer, followed by their title
John Jones, Street, City, State Zip code, President & Director
Mary Smith, Street, City, State Zip code, Secretary & Director

ARTICLE VII       DEBT OBLIGATIONS AND PERSONAL LIABILITY
No member, officer or Director of this corporation shall be personally liable for the debts or obligations of this corporation of any nature whatsoever, nor shall any of the property of the members, officers or Directors be subject to the payment of the debts or obligations of this corporation.

ARTICLE VIII       DISSOLUTION 
Upon dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed by the Board of Directors, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all debts, obligations, liabilities, costs and expenses of the corporation, for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes. 

ARTICLE IX       INITIAL REGISTERED AGENT AND STREET ADDRESS
First & last name of person acting as Registered Agent, followed by their full address

ARTICLE X       INCORPORATOR
First & last name of person submitting this letter, followed by their full address

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Having been named as registered agent to accept service of process for the above stated corporation at the place designated in this certificate, I am familiar with and accept the appointment as registered agent and agree to act in this capacity.

______________________________________________________________		______________________________
Signature/Registered Agent – (First & last name)						Date

______________________________________________________________		______________________________
Signature/Incorporator – (First & last name)						Date