This document is sometimes referred to as the charter. Find out the basics of holding an annual meeting for your nonprofit.A successful annual meeting can be a chance to highlight the organization's performance, promote community plans, and answer questions. Wondering how to start a nonprofit in Illinois? The initial corporate meeting is the essential first step in forming a nonprofit organization. An easy-to-read guide for how to file the Illinois Annual Report yourself. Here, you can find out how you can register a nonprofit in the state of Illinois, what are the annual filing requirements for a nonprofit in Illinois and more. The first step to beginning a corporation is filing your articles of incorporation. Do this with the Illinois Secretary of State. Fill out the online form to reserve your nonprofit's name.