I would like to obtain a copy of the bylaws (and amendments) and
incorporation papers of a charitable tax exempt foundation. I have the
foundations 990-PF that I obtained from Guidestar.org. How can I
obtain a copy of the foundations bylaws, articles of incorporation and
other filed documentation? I do not want to contact the foundation. I
would like specific information as to how I can obtain the
information, at a minimum this would include a phone number, address
and name or department. |
Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
22 Jul 2004 18:05 PDT
It would certainly help if you could name the foundation here, but if
not, at least tell us what state it is in, as in most jurisdictions,
the papers you are asking about are filed with the state.
|
Clarification of Question by
dan1225-ga
on
22 Jul 2004 18:16 PDT
I am doing research and am wanting the above information for
foundations in Delaware, Missouri, Oregon, Nebraska and Pennsylvania.
|
Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
22 Jul 2004 18:33 PDT
Dan,
I'm not sure of your baseline of familiarity on this topic. Many
foundations actually post bylaws, etc on their website. Have you
searched for these?
As for obtaining the papers from the states, this generally can be
done. Perhaps a researcher here will be willing to uncover the
details for each of five states, at the price you have offered ($5 per
state, of which the researcher gets $3.75). But if the question goes
unattended for a few days, you may want to reconsider your pricing.
(I mean this as a helpful suggestion...I hope it's coming across that way).
pafalafa-ga
|
Clarification of Question by
dan1225-ga
on
22 Jul 2004 18:52 PDT
The specific foudations are:
1. J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation (Delaware)
2. Audrey J. Walton and Ann Walton Kroenke Charitable Foundation (Missouri)
3. Ford Family Foundation (Oregon)
4. Buffett Foundation (Nebraska)
5. The Barnes Foundation (Pennsylvania)
What I wanted was a procedure to follow; but if you can also provide
me with the specific contact information for each of the above
foundations, so I can obtain the desired information without having to
look up the information myself, I will pay you $50 in lieu of the $25.
|
Clarification of Question by
dan1225-ga
on
22 Jul 2004 19:02 PDT
Very few foundations post their bylaws and incorporation papers on
their web site. That's why I wanted a procedure to follow so I can
obtain future informatin on my own.
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Clarification of Question by
dan1225-ga
on
23 Jul 2004 05:17 PDT
Specifically, what I originally wanted was a simple procedure to
follow to obtain copies of the bylaws and articles of incorporation of
501 (c)(3)private foundations. For example: a. contact the Secretary
of State, etc.
To make it more worthwhile for a researcher I increased my price to
$50 if they would provide me with the specific phone numbers, and
procedure to follow to obtain copies of the bylaws and incorporation
data from the secretary of state (or other applicable goverenment
agency) for the five listed foundations. None of the foundations
publish copies of their bylaws on their web site. One foundation
doesn't even have a web site.
|
Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
23 Jul 2004 08:14 PDT
Hello again Dan.
You're original question was:
>>How can I obtain a copy of the foundations bylaws, articles of
incorporation and other filed documentation?<<
It's become clear as I look around at various sources, that:
(a) You certainly can get copies of filed documents, but,
(b) not all of the documents that you're looking for are necessarily
on file. This seems to be particularly true of bylaws, which aren't
often required to be filed with the state.
For documents that ARE filed, they can generally be retrieved through
the state itself, or through a commercial document retrieval service
(the latter would be your easiest option, though they charge a pretty
penny for the service).
Would information on contacting state offices (in the five states you
mentioned) and the procedures for document retrieval be an adequate
answer to your question (even if you wouldn't be able to get all the
materials you're seeking)?
Or would you prefer learning about commercial retrieval services?
Or is there another option that would suit you better?
Let me know, and I'll see what I can do.
pafalafa-ga
|
Clarification of Question by
dan1225-ga
on
23 Jul 2004 08:49 PDT
I checked with the Secretary of State (Missouri) earlier this AM,
before reading your email, and they also informed me that bylaws of a
foundation were not available.
I don't mind paying a reasonable amount for someone to help obtain the
bylaws. The bylaws are my primary interest. Bylaws of The Barnes
Foundation (Pennsylvania)were entered into evidence in a recent
lawsuit involving the foundation. Would this be something that a
commercial retrieval service could obtain for me? If so, how much
would it cost? and who should I contact? This may be the easiest way
for me to obtain the information. Upon receipt of a formal request is
a foundation obligated to provide a copy of the bylaws?
|
Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
23 Jul 2004 10:58 PDT
>>The Barnes Foundation (Pennsylvania)were entered into evidence in a recent
lawsuit involving the foundation. Would this be something that a
commercial retrieval service could obtain for me?<<
Most likely, yes, as long as the document is actually a part of the
court proceedings, and the proceedings are on file The only way to be
100% certain, however, is to order the document and see.
>>If so, how much would it cost?<<
I don't know, and it would depend a good deal on how precisely you
could identify the document, how old the court case is, which court it
was, etc. Again, the document services themselves can provide pricing
once they know the details of what you're looking for.
>>who should I contact?<<
If you would like information about commercial document retrieval
services as an answer to your question, just let us know.
>>Upon receipt of a formal request is a foundation obligated to
provide a copy of the bylaws?<<
In the context of certain court proceedings, quite probably. But
absent that, I'm not aware of any requirements for non-profits to make
their bylaws public upon request.
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Clarification of Question by
dan1225-ga
on
23 Jul 2004 17:37 PDT
It doesn't seem that there is a practical way of obtaining the
documents. I don't have an interest in using a commercial service
since it is apparent that I would only be getting one bite of the
apple, if that.
Thank you very much for your effort.
Dan
|
Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
23 Jul 2004 17:49 PDT
Sure thing. Too bad there doesn't seem to be the easy-access solution
you were looking for. All the best, though.
pafalafa-ga
|
