Notice: Proposed Changes to BBP's Nonprofit Bylaws

On November 29, 2023 the Boise Bicycle Project board of directors will be voting on some proposed changes to its Bylaws.  These changes bring the administration of the organization up to date with how business is currently being conducted. BBP is required to publicly disclose that these changes may be made.

Note:  If you would like details about these changes please contact BBP at board@boisebicycleproject.org, leave your email address and a board member will get back to you immediately.  

If you’re interested in learning more about nonprofit bylaws, please see the following information shared on Classy.org:

What Are Nonprofit Bylaws?

Nonprofit bylaws (aka bylaws and articles of organization) explain how your organization operates. These rules explain the election process for board members, board meeting guidelines and frequency, compensation disclosures, indemnity clauses, and more.

Simply put, it’s an operating manual for running your nonprofit.

While your bylaws don’t have to be publicly accessible, many organizations share them to increase nonprofit transparency and trust. Donors, constituents, and supporters like to know what happens behind the scenes.

The nonprofit board of directors is responsible for compiling your nonprofit’s bylaws. Ideally, it did this thoroughly when forming the organization. If not, don’t panic—you can amend your bylaws at any time, although we recommend reviewing and making edits periodically.

Then, there’s the law.

Federal law doesn’t require any specific language in bylaws, but some states have specific requirements. For example, New York has audit requirements, restrictions on who can be the board chairperson, and nonnegotiable procedures for managing conflicts of interest.

Other states have more lenient requirements. For example, Colorado doesn’t require nonprofits to organize bylaws. However, if nonprofits don’t establish rules, the state will subject the nonprofit to general ruling and organization laws.

Why Do Nonprofits Have Bylaws?

Nonprofit bylaws are essential to your formation and longevity. Without these preestablished rules, there’s no guidance for how individuals should conduct themselves. There would also be no way to hold the organization or leaders accountable for their actions.

Here are a handful of reasons nonprofits need bylaws:

Legal reasons: Bylaws are a requirement in some states.

Decision-making: Bylaws define how your organization makes decisions, such as holding meetings, fulfilling terms of office, and electing board members.

Conflict prevention: Bylaws present the rules clearly, eliminating confusion or individual disagreements.

Protection: Bylaws limit personal liability of board members, protecting them from financial loss or harm.