OUR EXPERIENCE
We serve nonprofits of all types and sizes, offering creative legal advice grounded in over 20 years of specialized experience in nonprofit law.
In addition to serving a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, our clients also include donors making significant or complex gifts, businesses forming foundations for cause-marketing campaigns, and nonprofit founders considering the best philanthropic vehicle to meet their needs.
PRACTICE AREAS
Specifically, our team of nonprofit lawyers provides advice and counsel with respect to the following:
- STARTING A NONPROFIT AND MAINTAINING TAX-EXEMPT STATUS
- GRANTMAKING AND GIFT PLANNING
- INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND GRANTS
- NONPROFIT MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS, AFFILIATIONS
- NONPROFIT TAX CONSULTING
- OUTSIDE GENERAL COUNSEL
- CAUSE MARKETING (COMMERCIAL CO-VENTURES)
- CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISER REGISTRATIONS
RESOURCES
Free Guides for your Nonprofit Organization
How to Start a Nonprofit
State Registration
Nonprofit Legal Checklist
How to Start a Nonprofit
Before you form a legal entity and apply for tax-exempt status, you need a strong, well-researched plan for your organization. Download our free guide to learn about the many elements needed to run a successful nonprofit organization, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes.
State Registration
Most states require you to register your organization if you solicit donations from their residents. Many states also require registration if your organization collects substantial or ongoing donations from their residents, even if you aren’t specifically targeting donors in that state. Download our comprehensive list of each state’s requirements.
Nonprofit Legal Checklist
There are many legal issues specific to nonprofit organizations that can be easily prevented by taking certain steps early on in the life of the organization. For more established nonprofits, it’s a good idea to conduct a periodic review of your compliance documents, tax filings, and record keeping. We created this checklist to help you understand the items that a lawyer will assess when reviewing the overall legal health of your nonprofit organization.
CharityLawyer Blog offers plain language explanations of complex nonprofit law concepts, discussions of current events and links to valuable resources for nonprofits.
FEATURED BLOG POSTS
- Understanding Types of Nonprofit Board Meetings
Regular, Special, Annual, Organizational – to the new nonprofit director, the various types of nonprofit board meetings can be confusing. Not all nonprofit board meetings are alike. Board members are sometimes unaware that state law and corporate bylaws provide for different types of meetings—often with different requirements and purposes. Understanding the different types of nonprofit board
- The Difference Between Fiscal Sponsorship and Fiscal Agency (and Why It Matters)
Fiscal sponsorships are a popular way for new nonprofit organizations or temporary projects to attract tax-deductible donations or secure grants that require 501(c)(3) status. However, the IRS has specific requirements that must be met to qualify as a fiscal sponsorship. That’s why organizations need to understand the difference between fiscal sponsorship and fiscal agency so that
- 5 Risks of Third-Party Fundraisers
Third-party fundraisers are events run by individuals, businesses, community groups, schools, or organizations to raise money or goods for a nonprofit. Activities can range from hosting a table at a community event, a restaurant night, marathons, and more. Fundraising is essential to the success of nonprofit organizations. Yet, this regulated activity should be done with
