Register a Foreign Nonprofit in Illinois

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Nonprofit in Illinois

How do I register my foreign nonprofit corporation in Illinois?

To qualify a foreign nonprofit in Illinois, you file Form NFP 113.15, Application for Authority to Conduct Affairs in Illinois, in duplicate with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Department of Business Services. Deliver it by mail or in person with the filing fee and attachments. You’ll also need to list the name and address of three directors on the application.

What is the cost to register a foreign nonprofit in Illinois?

The filing fee is $50. Illinois only takes cashier’s checks or money orders.

How long does it take for Illinois to process my foreign qualification?

The state will process you application within around two to three weeks of receiving it.

Does Illinois require a certificate of good standing from the home state?

You must attach a certified copy of the original Articles of Incorporation dated within 90 days of the qualification filing.

Will I need an Illinois Registered Agent for my foreign nonprofit?

Absolutely! Your foreign nonprofit needs an Illinois registered agent to remain compliant with Illinois law. A registered agent is a person or business designated to accept legal mail (including service of process) on behalf of your business operating in Illinois. If you hire Northwest as your Illinois Registered Agent Service, we’ll take care of all your legal mail, as well as any official notifications you get from the state.

Want more? If we get some of your regular business mail, we’ll scan and upload five documents a year to your account for free. But if you want to direct all your business mail to us, you’ll need to get mail forwarding in Illinois. While you can receive your Illinois business mail at an address in another state, Illinois Mail Forwarding Service gives you more privacy and credibility.

For a nonprofit, it’s especially important to have a local presence. If you’re seeking donations, you may not want to ask people to send their money to an address in a far-off state. You can choose from same-day digital scanning or weekly physical mail forwarding.

If you’d like an office lease and a phone number to go with your mail services, Northwest can also set you up with a virtual office in Illinois. Like mail forwarding, this option also gives you more privacy than simply listing your home address as your business address.

Does the Illinois registered agent have to sign my foreign qualification application?

No.

How will Illinois return my processed filing?

Illinois will mail the Certificate of Authority to the registered agent unless you specify otherwise on a cover letter.

Are there any annual report requirements for foreign nonprofits in Illinois?

Yes, the foreign nonprofit corporation in Illinois must file an annual report along with a fee of $10 before the last day of the anniversary month.

Are there any weird things about qualifying in Illinois?

Actually Illinois is one of the most straightforward states for nonprofit corporations, especially foreign nonprofits. The procedures and fees are pretty clear cut for registering and renewing both as a corporation and a charity.

Additional Illinois Foreign Nonprofit Resources:

Illinois Charity Registration
Illinois Nonprofit Tax Exemptions

File with:

Illinois Secretary of State
Department of Business Services
501 S. Second Street, Room 350
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: (217) 782-6961