Cal. Corp. Code §5110
—
Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporations — Formation
The opening section of the California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law (Corp Code §§5110–6910). Governs corporations organized for charitable or public-benefit purposes — the corporate form used by California 501(c)(3) charities. Rarely the form chosen by HOAs (which typically organize as nonprofit mutual benefit corporations under §7110+) but occasionally used by community associations with substantial public-benefit purposes (e.g., HOAs maintaining publicly-accessible parks or trails).
Reviewed · California changes feed
Statutory Text
Verified Aug 6, 2026 · CA_LEG_INFO
Corporations Code - CORP TITLE 1. CORPORATIONS [100 - 14707] ( Title 1 enacted by Stats. 1947, Ch. 1038. ) DIVISION 2. NONPROFIT CORPORATION LAW [5000 - 10841] ( Heading of Division 2 amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 567. ) PART 2. NONPROFIT PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATIONS [5110 - 6910] ( Part 2 added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 567. ) CHAPTER 1. Organization and Bylaws [5110 - 5160] ( Chapter 1 added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 567. ) ARTICLE 1. Title and Purposes [5110 - 5111] ( Article 1 added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 567. ) 5110. This part shall be known and may be cited as the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law. (Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 567.)
Governance
| Ref | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Unlike mutual benefit corporations (which the AG generally does not police), public benefit corporations face direct Attorney General oversight. The AG can sue to enforce charitable purposes and recover misused funds. | |
| (a) | Public benefit corporations are the California corporate form for traditional 501(c)(3) charities. Most HOAs are NOT public benefit corporations — they serve members, not the public — but the form is occasionally used by community associations whose primary mission benefits the broader public. |
Legal Topics
Legal references last verified July 4, 2026.
This content is educational and informational. It does not constitute legal advice.
Consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.