How Does A Nonprofit Register A Trademark

How wonderful would it be if your nonprofit became a household proper noun? Known by so many, hands recognizable, memorable, and garnering so much ongoing support. Naming a nonprofit can make it possible, just only if done in the right way.

Your proper noun is the outset matter prospective donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries will read when determining whether or not to move frontward with supporting your organization. Researched, well-brainstormed, and written succinctly, meaningfully, and creatively, your nonprofit's proper name becomes a door of immense possibility for your nonprofit organization.

Why Your Nonprofit's Proper noun Matters
4 Types of Nonprofit Names
12 Questions to Ask when Brainstorming Your Nonprofit's Proper noun
Disquisitional Advice for Choosing Your Nonprofit's Name
half dozen Examples of Peachy Nonprofit Names
Naming Worksheet for Your Nonprofit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Your Nonprofit's Name Matters

naming a nonprofit

A great nonprofit proper noun will be dynamic, memorable, and will give the world a sense of your mission. Your nonprofit's name is critical because information technology is what will distinguish your nonprofit from others. It's the starting time thing a prospective donor will read when deciding whether or not to larn more than virtually your nonprofit, and ultimately, whether or non to support information technology. The right name also builds immediate trust and credibility with a prospective new supporter and makes a warm first impression.

The sad truth is that many nonprofits overlook the importance of choosing the right proper name the get-go time effectually. If you and your board tin can get it right immediately, it'll salvage y'all the hassle of trying to change it subsequently. Changing your name, later on on, can involve legal headaches, but it tin can likewise be difficult considering it requires your constituents (donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries) to become "used to" a name change. Go far piece of cake on yourself, and follow these guidelines to pick the best nonprofit proper name, right away.

four Types of Nonprofit Names

In that location's no "perfect" nonprofit proper name – but there are many ways to approach devising a great name, 1 that volition concenter new and retain existing supporters.

Here are some types to consider when beginning to brainstorm your nonprofit'south proper noun:

1. Meaningful name

A meaningful or descriptive name will stand for the pregnant of your system's mission and volition tell donors nearly exactly what yous practice. For example, "Stand upward to Cancer" implies that this system is doing what it can to fight dorsum the graveness of cancer. Their mission is to raise funds to get new therapies to patients equally rapidly equally possible and to save lives now. A meaningful name may be emotionally jogging, at the aforementioned fourth dimension, information technology may imply what your organization is doing to reach your mission. Other examples can be the following: Teach for America or the American Cancer Society.

2. Celebrity or founder name

A nonprofit with a celebrity or co-founder's proper noun draws firsthand attention to the dynamic person behind the proper noun. This tin exist good but also risky. In some cases, naming an system afterwards a glory will increase an organisation'south credibility – for instance, The Elton John AIDS Foundation – since Elton John is a generally loved and well-respected celebrity. The Lance Armstrong Foundation, on the other hand, was renamed the Livestrong Foundation, since controversy emerged surrounding Lance's career.

three. Generic names

Using generic words for names tin can likewise be great, or tricky. In some cases, a generic name volition imply to the world what your nonprofit does but enough to brand them look into your nonprofit more. Some generic names, withal, will just leave a donor confused, irritated, and uninterested in learning more than. For example, "Active Dear" and "Fun Funds"; they're pretty generic nonprofit organization names.

four, Unique name

Have you heard of this American nonprofit – KABOOM? They piece of work toward ending playspace inequity for kids. Now that'south quite a proper noun! Because they've used the sound of happy discovery for naming their nonprofit. It instantly catches one's attending. What follows is an urge to know more.

That's exactly what we hateful past a unique name. It can be a funny sound or a batter of two distinct words such every bit Mercy Corps. This too makes people wonder what the arrangement is doing. If your name tin raise curiosity in someone's mind, that'south enough work, to begin with!

Pro tip: It's good to have a unique name that's intriguing but you should refrain from choosing heavy jargon, not understandable for many. Do not option technical words even if they draw your mission. Rather, focus on making it fun or emotional, relatable, and interesting.

Brainstorming Your Nonprofit'southward Name – Questions Yous Demand to Ask

Brainstorming a new nonprofit name is a catchy business! As mentioned higher up, your name represents your make, should be memorable, and has the opportunity to leave a strong, nifty first impression on prospective supporters. Where does one fifty-fifty begin to brainstorm?

In one case you're ready to swoop in, start past answering some of the post-obit questions:

Who are your beneficiaries (east.k. those y'all serve)?
What types of programs do you offering to your beneficiaries?
Which are the words that will reflect the types of programs y'all offer for your beneficiaries? And what are some words that brand it piece of cake to imply what your organisation does for its beneficiaries, only by reading your organisation's name?
Are y'all able to succinctly depict your mission, in just a few words?
What kind of supporters does your organization demand to survive that goes beyond beneficiaries and staff members? Do you rely heavily on the work of volunteers? What kind of funders will y'all be seeking?

One time you've answered some of these initial questions, write downward a few name options. Don't worry – these beginning names don't have to be "the ones". Simply jot down some ideas, referring to the 'types of names' you lot can cull from (see in a higher place!). So, ask yourself and your team the following:

Is this name distinct? What comes up when you plug your proper name into Google and other search confined? Is your name besides similar to that of another nonprofit'south? Is it too like to that of some other company?
Can your name exist taken to mean anything other than your intended meaning? If so, is that other potential take on your proper name offensive or disrespectful to members of society in any manner?
Is a website name bachelor for your proper noun? Is the name you're using already trademarked?
How does your name look visually when it's written out?
What sort of "feeling" or emotions do you become upon reading your name out loud? How practise you think it would make someone feel to hear your organization'south name?
How does this name translate to other languages and cultures? Does it hateful ane thing in your main language, and something completely different (or potentially fifty-fifty offensive) in some other language?
Does this name roll off the tongue? Is it piece of cake to pronounce and spell?

Once you lot've come up upwards with a few names yous feel confident about, it's fourth dimension to narrow those names down, consider putting together a small focus group or sending a survey out to those you lot trust nearly. The more feedback yous become from the right people, the more confident you'll feel almost the proper noun y'all finally choose.

Critical Advice for Choosing Your Nonprofit'southward Name

how to register a nonprofit organization name

Brainstorming your proper name and thinking about what type of name to cull for your nonprofit are all of import steps. Other logistical pieces are just as critical. Here are some factors to consider and steps to take when securing your nonprofit'southward name.

1. Don't employ illegal words in your nonprofit's proper noun.

First and foremost, yous'll want to make sure to non use words like "federal" or "national" in your name, as these are only permitted to be used for state and/or government purposes. Likewise, you cannot imply that your nonprofit is tied to any state or government programs, or imply a misleading purpose. There are really rules that are prohibited for business organization names in each land, and these vary by state. Check here to find out more before taking time to brainstorm your nonprofit'south name.

2. Check whether you can use a designator.

You lot cannot but put "Inc.", "LLC", or "LLP", at the end of your business's name. To utilise those marks properly, you must refer to your land'southward rules of incorporation and file the necessary manufactures to practice so (if you decide that using a designator is the all-time route for your nonprofit).

iii. Make sure your proper noun isn't already trademarked.

You cannot employ a proper noun that'south been trademarked. It'due south also illegal to apply some other nonprofit's name in the same country. Y'all will take to do thorough inquiry on the possible names you've thought of.

Some state government sites have their database of nonprofit/business names fabricated public for reference. You may also discover websites that provide such information. Check it yourself or consider reaching out to a legal advisor for assist.

4. Cheque if your name sounds similar to some other nonprofit's.

If your name is too similar to that of another organization, you could make yourself vulnerable to copyright lawsuits or trademark infringement. The other organization could accuse you lot of improperly using their proper name or infringing upon their intellectual property.

Even if they don't take whatever action, in that location is a loftier chance that people would mix upward your names. That'due south not proficient for either of the nonprofits. Especially yours because y'all're just starting out. People may ignore your solicitation emails or social media posts thinking they've already given to the other organisation.

five. Ostend availability for a website name and social media handles.

Your website decides a lot of essential things for your nonprofit'southward future. And then do your social media profiles. Starting from marketing to online donations, everything happens on them. Hence, having the names and URL close to your name is very of import, so people can identify. Before y'all've registered your name, research and encounter if your desirable URL and names are available for use.

Grab them right away if they are available. If non, rethink your selected name. Try to find a URL and social media handles that will remain aligned on every platform.

6. Consider getting professional person help.

It's possible that yous're totally dislocated almost how to proper name your nonprofit. After having asked yourself the questions and considered the types, y'all're withal clueless as to which one you should get for. Information technology's normal. You lot'd non want to have a chance for something as of import every bit your crusade. Getting professional help tin can save you in this situation, as well in the long run.

To make sure you exercise everything correctly, consider hiring a professional to help! It'll be worth the investment. Y'all can present them with the names you've already brainstormed. And they'll take care of whatsoever legal obligations and help you aught in on one.

7 Powerful Nonprofit Names that Stand Out

1. Feed the Frontlines

Feed the Frontlines provides meals to doctors, nurses, and medical staff who are working at the front end during the pandemic in Boston. It's a simple name with a direct and impactful approach. Hither's what we liked –

Meaningful and to the point,
Information technology Lets people know the impact right through the proper name,
Highly relatable in the current pandemic situation.

how to name a nonprofit

2. Project Charley

Project Charley was founded with the sole intention of providing neurological rehabilitation resources to Austin, Texas. This nonprofit's mission is inspired by a fiddling girl named 'Charley' who met with an accident that left her unable to walk. Through rehabilitation therapy, now, she's commencement to walk again. We love this proper noun for the following reasons –

Raises marvel for the story behind.
Although a directly arroyo, personification of the name elicits empathy and relatability.

how to name a nonprofit

3. American Cancer Order

American Cancer Society is a nationwide initiative to help eliminate cancer as a major health trouble. We beloved this name for more than reasons than one. Take a look –

A descriptive proper noun,
Straight to the point, and
Lets the donor know exactly what kind of cause the organization works for.

how to name a nonprofit

4. Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity strives for a globe where every person has a decent place to live. It may not be very straightforward merely it has a deep and beautiful meaning to it. From the first give-and-take itself, people would approximate what the nonprofit is about. Here are things nosotros liked –

Meaningful,
Emotionally impactful, and
Simple and directly with their approach.

how to name a nonprofit foundation

5. Charity: Water

Charity: Water's mission is to help bring clean and safe water to every person on the planet. Information technology's easy to get that from the name itself. Here's why we dear it –

A descriptive name,
Every bit to the point every bit possible, and
Can connect with people willing to support the cause instantly

how to name a nonprofit foundation

half-dozen. Doctors without Borders

Doctors Without Borders is an independent, global movement providing medical aid where it'southward needed the nearly. The mention of 'doctors' makes it articulate to people that the nonprofit must be into medical aid or health services. What we especially liked about the name are –

An intriguing name, quite unique at information technology
Talks about the mission without giving away too much

7. The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is named later the award-winning brusk film 'Trevor'. This organization was founded by the creators of the motion-picture show. It's very close to the blazon – glory or founder name. The nonprofit provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to the LGBTQ community and its people who are under 25 years old.

If yous're looking to proper noun your nonprofit afterward a famous project, a motion picture, or a pop personality, this can be a good case. Hither'southward why –

People who loved the film will experience connected with the cause
Unique and tin can raise curiosity in people equally to what is 'Trevor'
A direct arroyo since the mission is based on the theme of the motion-picture show

Naming Worksheet for Your Nonprofit

The sections above must have inspired and taught you to remember of a name that matters. But this downloadable PDF worksheet beneath will assist you become in on it right away – with questions for the naming exercise, brainstorming, and evaluating your thoughts.

Download the naming worksheet for your nonprofit hither.

Over to You

Imagine you and your nonprofit, v years downwardly the line, with a multitude of supporters and your mission being met beyond what yous could've imagined. This is all so possible, but the first step is to go your nonprofit name 'right' – that is, to get it memorable, legal, and illustrative of your nonprofit's mission.

Follow the example of the already numerous, fantastic nonprofit organizations that exist. What's in a name, you might inquire? Innumerable possibilities for your deserving, incredible nonprofit organisation.

For more tips and resources on nonprofit management, check out our blog. Y'all may also desire to explore Donorbox as powerful fundraising and donor management tool.

Oft Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here we'll reply some of the well-nigh common questions on naming a nonprofit.

how to know if a nonprofit name isn't taken

ane. How to know if a nonprofit name isn't taken?

Do your research! Many companies exist that will help you bank check for concern entity names that are already taken in your state, such as LegalZoom. You'll as well want to make sure your proper noun isn't taken by another URL or website domain. Cheque websites like Network Solutions to see more than.

two. How to trademark a brand proper name for a nonprofit arrangement?

Before choosing a trademark, you'll demand to run a thorough trademark search. This should exist washed past a professional who knows what they're doing. Filing your application is the next step. Once you've filed your trademark application and been approved, there's maintenance paperwork that must exist completed every year.

3. What are the Benefits of registering a trademark for a nonprofit organization?

Trademarking your nonprofit'south proper name may come with a high toll, just is often worth it. Registering a nonprofit trademark provides extra protection, added benefits and enforceable rights for your nonprofit.

4. What are the costs of registering a trademark for your nonprofit?

Application filing fees range from $225-$400 and can add upwardly apace. Additionally, if you hire an attorney to file your application for you, yous'll have to pay additional hiring fees. One time you obtain your trademark registration, there's paperwork that must be filed every twelvemonth in order to keep your trademark agile.

This paperwork can toll anywhere betwixt $150-$500 to file, depending on whether or not you lot hire an chaser to help you. Finally, there are miscellaneous fees to be enlightened of. One example of a miscellaneous cost that may come up is needing to have an attorney draft a cease and desist alphabetic character for y'all so yous can send it out on your own (if you find that someone is using your trademark).

5. How to modify a nonprofit name with the IRS?

The process to modify a nonprofit name with the IRS differs past land. Organizations structured as nonprofit corporations may change their proper name by alteration their Articles of Incorporation to reflect this new name. In most states, this ways having to adopt the amendment and filing it with the land agency that handles incorporation. Some states also require that the amendment exist published in a newspaper of full general circulation.