Professor DrRon Suarez
ProfessorForum Replies Created
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PERPLEXITY
You change the legal name with Michigan by amending your nonprofit’s Articles of Incorporation with LARA, then you update the IRS and everything else to match.[1][2][3]Step 1 – Confirm the new name
- Search the MiBusiness Registry to make sure the new name is available and distinguishable from existing entities.[4]
- Optionally reserve the name using the “Application for Reservation of Name” (Form CSCL/CD‑540) if you want to lock it before filing the amendment.[5]
Step 2 – Approve the change internally
- Follow your bylaws for how amendments are approved (board-only vs. members); take a formal vote and record the resolution approving the new corporate name and the Articles amendment.
- The resolution should clearly state the old name, new name, and that Article I (or the relevant article) of the Articles of Incorporation is amended to change the corporate name.
Step 3 – File a Certificate of Amendment with LARA
- Use Michigan’s “Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation” for profit and nonprofit corporations (Form CSCL/CD‑515, $10 filing fee).[2][6][1]
- In the form you will:
- Enter the current name and your 6‑digit ID number.
- Specify which article is being amended (usually Article I – Name).
- Restate that article in full with the new name (e.g., “The name of the corporation is: New Name, Inc.”).
- Indicate how the amendment was approved (board, members, etc.) and the date of approval.[1]
- File online through the Michigan “corpfileonline” system or mail it to LARA Corporations Division with the fee; standard processing is a few days, with optional expedited service for extra fees.[7][8][1]
Step 4 – After Michigan approves it
- Once LARA files the Certificate of Amendment, the new name becomes your legal corporate name in Michigan, and you’ll get a filed copy as proof.[2][1]
- Use this filed amendment as your primary evidence when updating other agencies, banks, and counterparties.
Step 5 – Notify the IRS (501(c)(3) status)
- If you file Form 990 or 990‑EZ, report the name change on your next return by checking the “name change” box and attaching a state‑stamped copy of the amendment.[3][9][10]
- If you file Form 990‑N or need the IRS to update records sooner, send a signed letter (with old and new name, EIN, and copy of the filed amendment) to the IRS Exempt Organizations address or fax, as described in their “Change of name – Exempt organizations” guidance.[10][3]
- You can request an updated IRS affirmation letter showing the new name and your 501(c)(3) status.[3][10]
Step 6 – Update everything else
- Update: bank accounts, payroll provider, insurance policies, leases, grants/contracts, state charitable solicitation registrations (if any), and donor management systems using the LARA amendment as proof.
- Update your website, donation pages, and public communications to use the new legal name; many nonprofits add “New Name (formerly Old Name)” for a year or two to avoid confusion.[9]
If you tell me your current legal name, proposed new name, and whether you’re membership‑based or not, I can draft Michigan‑ready wording for the board resolution and the “Article as amended” text to paste into Form CSCL/CD‑515.
Sources [1] [PDF] CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF … https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/cscl/NonImages_new/Corps/forms/corporation/515-0625.pdf?rev=944aed07232843d49d26296a729d8d7a&hash=33A3C8AFB83EAFF9A3EE642438B9813B [2] [PDF] MICHIGAN NONPROFIT CORPORATION FILING INFORMATION https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/cscl/NonImages_new/Corps/CSCL-CD_269_Rev0322.pdf?rev=6468657d6993479b84c7de118e59ef64&hash=59AD101DD3858511A73876BF7249B0E4 [3] Notifying IRS of changes in name or address https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/political-organizations/eo-operational-requirements-notifying-irs-of-changes-in-name-or-address [4] Changes in Business Structure – State of Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps/corporations/maintenance/changes-in-business-structure [5] Forms | MiBusiness Registry Portal https://mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us/forms/business [6] Corporation Forms – State of Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps/forms/corporation-forms [7] Amendment to Articles of Organization in Michigan https://www.michiganregisteredagent.com/michigan-business-forms-and-resources-center/amendment-to-articles-of-organization-in-michigan [8] Amendment to Articles of Incorporation in Michigan https://www.michiganregisteredagent.com/michigan-business-forms-and-resources-center/amendment-to-articles-of-incorporation-in-michigan [9] How do nonprofits report a name change to the IRS? https://www.se4nonprofits.com/blog/qa-140-how-do-nonprofits-report-a-name-change-to-the-irs [10] How Do Exempt Organizations Inform the IRS of a Name Change? https://www.abhe.org/organization-name-change/ [11] [PDF] STATE OF MICHIGAN https://www.michiganregisteredagent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Entrepenuers-Guide.pdf [12] Michigan Corporation LLC Nonprofit Amendment – Harbor Compliance https://www.harborcompliance.com/michigan-amendment-for-corporation-llc-nonprofit [13] [PDF] MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND … – Camp Kidwell https://www.campkidwell.org/uploads/1/0/3/8/10386633/5_certificate_of_amendment_of_the_articles_of_incorporation_-_november_23_2022_-_camp_kidwell.pdf [14] Form cd 515 state of michigan: Fill out & sign online | DocHub https://www.dochub.com/fillable-form/71046-form-cd-515-state-of-michigan [15] [PDF] CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF … https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/cscl/NonImages_new/Corps/forms/llc/715-0625-f.pdf?rev=059034fe8f864a798b63b64c74fb0def&hash=1EF345CDC5F605F963ED5DCD9AF33FFE
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See definitions in this glossary.
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The Post Road Foundation is actively providing grants to support community-owned broadband networks. Here are some communities and details on the grants provided by the Post Road Foundation:
1. **Berrien County, Michigan**:
– Berrien County received nearly $26 million in federal funding supplemented by local funds and private contributions to provide high-speed internet access to unserved rural areas. The initiative involves collaboration with Midwest Energy & Communications and local municipalities【43:4†source】.
2. **Additional Communities**:
– While specific names of other communities receiving grants from the Post Road Foundation were not detailed in the provided documents, it is known that the foundation works broadly to help various cities and towns plan and build public networks, provide workforce training, and promote internet adoption【43:0†source】【43:1†source】.
The Post Road Foundation’s support aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that rural and underserved areas have access to high-speed internet, thereby fostering economic development, improving educational opportunities, and enhancing the overall quality of life in these communities.
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The Post Road Foundation supports the development of community-owned broadband networks through grants and access to capital. Their aim is to help cities and towns plan and build public networks, provide workforce training, and promote internet adoption. Here are some key aspects of their support:
1. **Grant Funding and Capital Access**:
– The Post Road Foundation provides grants and other financial resources to assist communities in planning and building their own broadband networks. This financial support can cover various aspects of network development, including infrastructure construction and operational costs【43:0†source】【43:1†source】.
2. **Workforce Training**:
– The foundation also invests in workforce training initiatives to ensure that communities have the necessary skills to maintain and operate their broadband networks effectively. This includes training local residents in technical skills required for broadband infrastructure management【43:0†source】.
3. **Promoting Internet Adoption**:
– In addition to infrastructure support, the Post Road Foundation focuses on promoting digital inclusion by funding programs aimed at increasing internet adoption rates among residents. This can involve educational campaigns, providing devices, and offering affordable service options to low-income households【43:0†source】.
4. **Partnership with Other Organizations**:
– The foundation collaborates with other philanthropic organizations, like Connect Humanity, to amplify their impact. These partnerships help leverage additional resources and expertise, further supporting the development of robust community broadband networks【43:0†source】.
By providing these comprehensive resources, the Post Road Foundation plays a crucial role in enabling communities to achieve digital equity and build sustainable broadband networks.
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Questions About Funding Allocation and Prioritization:
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How does the allocation of BEAD funding toward incumbent ISPs impact the long-term goals of digital equity in Michigan compared to community-owned broadband networks?
- Follow-up: What mechanisms are in place to ensure that this funding truly benefits underserved communities rather than reinforcing existing disparities?
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Given that a significant portion of BEAD funding is expected to go to incumbent ISPs, how can communities ensure they retain control over their broadband infrastructure and prevent future monopolization?
- Follow-up: Are there provisions within BEAD or other funding programs that prioritize community-owned networks over corporate-owned models?
Questions About Sustainability and Community Benefits:
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What are the long-term economic and social benefits of investing in community-owned broadband networks compared to relying on incumbent ISPs to provide services?
- Follow-up: How can Michigan leverage these benefits to boost job creation and entrepreneurship within local communities?
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In what ways do community-owned broadband networks contribute to more resilient and sustainable infrastructure compared to the infrastructure built and maintained by incumbent ISPs?
- Follow-up: How do these models ensure better accountability and responsiveness to community needs?
Questions About Equity and Access:
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How do community-owned networks ensure that all residents, especially those in rural and underserved areas, have equitable access to high-speed internet compared to the coverage provided by incumbent ISPs?
- Follow-up: What strategies can Michigan employ to support the development of these community networks to close the digital divide?
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With the end of programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), what role can community-owned networks play in ensuring continued affordability and access to broadband for low-income households?
- Follow-up: How does this compare to the approach taken by large ISPs receiving BEAD funding?
Questions About Innovation and Local Control:
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How can community-owned networks in Michigan foster innovation and entrepreneurship in ways that might be limited under the control of incumbent ISPs?
- Follow-up: Can you share examples from other states or regions where community ownership has led to significant technological or economic advancements?
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What are the potential risks and challenges of relying heavily on incumbent ISPs for broadband expansion, and how might community-owned networks mitigate these risks?
- Follow-up: What safeguards are necessary to ensure community networks are viable and competitive?
Questions About Policy and Advocacy:
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What steps can local governments and communities in Michigan take to advocate for more equitable distribution of BEAD funding, ensuring it supports community-owned initiatives?
- Follow-up: How can communities navigate state-level legal barriers that may inhibit the development of municipal broadband?
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How does the community’s involvement in decision-making differ between community-owned broadband initiatives and projects led by incumbent ISPs receiving federal funding?
- Follow-up: How can Michigan’s communities ensure that their voices are heard in the planning and implementation of broadband projects?
These questions aim to highlight the differences in approach between community-owned networks and incumbent ISPs, emphasizing the potential for greater equity, local control, and long-term benefits with the former. They also encourage discussion about how policy and funding decisions can support or hinder these outcomes.
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Understanding Fiber Innerducts: A Comprehensive Guide was published March 1, 2024. We are working on materials to assist with people planning the construction of affordable housing. Especially with new construction, there is no reason to not consider this as a way to lower the cost of living for everyone.
123.net
Understanding Fiber Innerducts: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover how fiber innerducts are utilized and how they are involved in the planning, installation, or management of fiber optic systems.
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Here is a 7 1/2 minute slide presentation of Randy doing a voiceover explaining slides created with the big data tools he is using. Please do not share this link and keep this information confidential. We will discuss at our next meeting. Hopefully that will be Thursday. This could potentially be our first test case. There is also an underserved area that Randy identified, where we have access to 10 GB per second and could begin setting up fixed point wireless to reach homes in that area. it would not take very much grant money to get this started.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGELH3EKQI/FmGdUzTAPsTSnU8fZ7rxRA/view?utm_content=DAGELH3EKQI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=recording_view -
Notta AI –
Summary
The transcript summarizes a presentation by Justin Kilpatrick, co-founder of Althea, on the design decisions and tradeoffs made in building Althea 01, a layer 1 blockchain tailored for Althea’s decentralized bandwidth market application. Key points covered include not needing enormous block space due to bounded transaction frequency, the ability to parallelize simple value transactions, the critical importance of lightweight clients for query load, and framing data availability as a logistics not financialization problem.
ChaptersLimited Block Space Needed
Bandwidth transactions are physically bounded unlike financial transactions, with frequency limited by system latency and finality times around 4-8 seconds. Even with continuous 4K video streaming, transaction demand caps around thousands per minute, addressable on a simple optimized chain.
Easier to Scale Than General Computation
Simple direct value transfers parallelize easily while EVM requires serial execution, benefiting less from parallelization. A hybrid model with efficient bandwidth transactions plus integrated EVM suits Althea’s needs.
Light Clients Critical for Query Loads
Effective light clients are vital to support enormous user query loads from devices like routers, unlike DeFi’s lower query assumption. Instant finality enables proofs for fast, lightweight bootstrap.
Data Availability as Logistics Not Financialization
Required data is cheap to store so availability is about having enough lower-footprint nodes. Intelligent light clients can store partial blockchain data to serve queries.
Action Items
- Research light client options compatible with Tendermint consensus
- Explore hybrid chain designs optimizing parallelizable transactions
- Model projected query load from user devices to size RPC infrastructure
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Watch the video of Justin’s presentation:
https://youtu.be/3Wi2jv2oxLk -
While not perfectly accurate, this is useful.
Action items from Otter
Some key action items from the meeting include:
– Devon will announce the call for folks to sign up to be part of the initial 3 Althea local chapters pilot programs
– Once people start signing up, Devon and Ron will figure out next steps like organizing listening sessions and having Ron involved
– Ron offered to help onboard any new teachers for the learning platform by doing one-on-one sessions to help them get started
Summary from Otter
Althea local chapters aim to foster robust conversations and connect people with opportunities to bring their interests into the real world. Speaker 1 discussed their experience in creating and managing successful online courses, including tokenization and course access. Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 also discussed digital equity, emphasizing the importance of empowering people to address these issues through bottom-up approaches. They also touched on the challenges of customer service in the digital age and the potential of including internet access as part of public housing.
Action ItemsOutlineAlthea chapters and community engagement.
Creating local chapters for a community organization.
Online course development and community website management.
Creating an online course platform.
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Speaker 1 plans to make instructor roles reusable and manageable with a front-end dashboard.
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Speaker 1 considers pricing options for courses, including a token system.
Digital equity and internet access for marginalized communities.
Affordable internet access for low-income communities.
otter.ai
Otter.ai uses artificial intelligence to empower users with real-time transcription meeting notes that are shareable, searchable, accessible and secure.
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I’d like us to quickly define roles and responsibilities that each of us can take care of in a grant proposal or a bid on the contract, so we have some clarification about the details we can each offer.
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Social links