When the New York Department of State rejects a purpose statement for the Certificate (Articles) of Incorporation, it usually uses the following verbiage: “The Not-for-Profit Corporation Law requires corporations to provide specific purpose(s). The purpose(s) set forth in the proposed certificate are unacceptably vague and must be clarified. Please review the following list of helpful tips when drafting your purposes(s): “Do Not: – Do not use the phrase “including but not limited to” when describing the purpose. – Do not state vague and general purposes. – Do not state the routine activities and powers the corporation will carry out in furtherance of its purposes    (e.g., owning property). “Do: – Clearly and fully describe the purpose of the corporation. – Describe what the corporation will do to carry out its purpose. – A concise description of the corporation’s purpose is sufficient. Consider the following four elements when drafting the purpose paragraph:

•  WHY – is the corporation being formed?
• WHAT – does the corporation intend on accomplishing?
• HOW – will the corporation accomplish these purposes?
• WHO – will benefit from these purposes?”

With this in mind, we give you some examples of purpose statements that succeeded and some that failed: This one was OK on the first try: “to promote the Christian message around the world through Evangelism, Christian Dramas, Christian seminars, Pastor’s Conferences, Youth Rallies, Mission trips, Missionary support, Bible studies,  Providing Spiritual and Humanitarian support to the poor and needy.” This one was OK: “to reach communities for Jesus with the exploration of God’s word through bible study, fellowship, food and music; to assist people in physical and spiritual need; to sponsor concerts, retreats, and training seminars.” This one, too: “to assist in the relief of the poor, care of the indigent and sick, welfare of children and other similar charitable purposes; to promote the alleviation of human suffering and distress and the betterment of mankind; to establish and maintain centers providing food, clothing, and shelter; to collect, accept and receive money for exclusively charitable purposes, and to distribute said funds to the poor, indigent, sick and hungry. “to work with churches, grocery stores, businesses, food pantries, soup kitchens, rescue missions, community associations, working together to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. “to accumulate in large volume, the resource of both perishable and non perishable food items and clothing and then to distribute these resources as swiftly and efficiently as possible through every legitimate not for profit distribution entity such as churches, soup kitchens, recuse missions for eventual distribution to the poor and hungry.” This one, however was rejected: “To provide solid youth services in the communities across United States via our core programs; our core programs are devoted to enabling our young males and females with key fundamental values, skills, and knowledge that they will use throughout their lives.” This revision was accepted: “To provide youth services to young males and females to strengthen fundamental values, skills, and knowledge through literacy programs, anti-bullying classes, health awareness programs, mentorship guidance and athletic programs.” This one was rejected: “To Reach people with the Unconditional Love & Supernatural Power of Jesus Christ through all Artistic forms of media while Partnering with Professional Artists in the Industry; bringing Unity to the Global Church & Creating Ministry Opportunities for Aspiring Artists.” As was this revision: “1.To create Artistic Media (music, video, film, fine art, choreography, photography, theatre, fashion design, etc.) for the purpose of inspiring people to live the best life available to them as they come into contact with the unconditional redemptive love & supernatural transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is presented through the artistic media we create. 2.To create an international collaborative & thriving community of artistic people in New York City & around the world. We will partner with professional artists in NYC to physically create our media as we also create vocational & ministry opportunities for amateur artists of all ages. We will present the Gospel of Jesus Christ through annual events that will also showcase the work of individual artists we collaborate with. 3.To help churches develop their Artistic Ministries and serve their communities through: inspirational presentations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ during worship services & special events; free consultations, inspirational & practical workshops, seminars & conferences. All of our presentations will be based upon the artistic media we create.” And as was this revision: “1. To help people follow Christ as they come into contact with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Christian music, Christian media, & Christian church events. 2. To create ministry opportunities for artistic people in New York City & around the world as we present the Gospel of Jesus Christ through free Christian products & events that also show the work of individual artists we minister with. 3. To help churches develop their artistic ministries and serve their communities through: inspirational presentations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ during worship services & free Christian events; free consultations, free inspirational & practical workshops, and free seminars & conferences.” And this one was finally accepted: “1. To help people follow Christ as they come into contact with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Christian music, Christian media, & Christian church events. 2. To create ministry opportunities for artistic people in New York City & around the world as we present the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Christian products & Christian events that also show the work of individual Christian artists we minister with. 3. To help churches develop their artistic ministries and serve their communities through: inspirational presentations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ during worship services & Christian events; consultations, inspirational & practical workshops, and seminars & conferences.”