A nonprofit association, corporation, or other organization that has been in existence for at least 5 years and promotes social welfare and general civic improvement may register with the Secretary of State as a community association by filing an affidavit that the organization meets the requirements of § 5-406(a)(7) of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.
The affidavit should be mailed to: Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, Attn: Charities & Legal Services Division.
The term “affidavit” means a written statement made to the best of the affiant’s knowledge, information, and belief; and the contents of which are affirmed under the penalties of perjury.
The affidavit can be written in any one of the following three ways:
- The affidavit should state that the nonprofit association, corporation, or other organization:
- Is composed of at least 25% of the adult residents of a local community that consists of at least 40 households; and is defined by specific geographic boundaries in the bylaws or charter of the organization;
- At least annually, requires the payment of dues;
- Promotes social welfare and general civic improvement; and
- In the case of a corporation, is in good standing.
- The affidavit should state that the nonprofit association, corporation, or other organization:
- Is composed of at least 100 adult residents, but less than 25% of the adult residents of a local community that consists of at least 40 households; and is defined by specific geographic boundaries in the bylaws or charter of the organization;
- Was organized on or before January 1, 2000, and has been in continuous operation since that date;
- At least annually, requires the payment of dues;
- Promotes social welfare and general civic improvement; and
- In the case of a corporation, is in good standing;
- The affidavit should state that the nonprofit association, corporation, or other organization is composed of more than one of the organizations described in options 1 and 2 and that each of those organizations meet the requirements in options 1 and 2, as outlined above.
To view the pertinent statutes on the Maryland General Assembly's website, please click on the following links:
