For nonprofit organizations, getting tax-exempt status is a critical part of running a functional and thriving operation. Once it has been granted, it can be easy to forget how challenging it can be to maintain that status. Simple mistakes can place that tax-exempt...
Non-Profit Organizations
Tips for drafting a nonprofit employee handbook
Many employers have employee handbooks. You might not consider an employee handbook a priority, but a well-written employee handbook is valuable for a nonprofit organization. A good employee handbook contains certain information that protects you and your organization...
Nonprofits need to navigate compliance issues
While not-for-profit organizations do work that benefits society, that alone does not exempt these organizations from following the many federal, state and local laws which cover other businesses. Governments frequently give authority to different regulatory agencies...
A well-written staff handbook sets employee expectations
If your nonprofit organization has employees, a staff handbook can set out your expectations, as well as the organization’s policies and procedures. There are several key sections that should be included. Staff handbook Usually, a staff handbook starts with a welcome...
Do you have a risk management strategy for your non-profit?
Running a non-profit organization can sometimes be unpredictable, which is why you should always have a good risk management strategy in place. This is something that can easily be overlooked, especially when your daily operations are running smoothly. In fact, a 2022...
Considering nonprofit organization bylaws and membership
There are several things to consider when forming a nonprofit organization. One of the most important items to draft is the entity's bylaws, which outline the organization’s purpose, structure, size and membership, among other elements. Bylaws The bylaws should...
How to move forward with a trademark infringement claim
Your organization’s intellectual property, including any trademarks that serve a source-identifying function, carries a significant amount of value. After all, it helps you build goodwill and trust among the community and those you serve. Yet, intellectual property is...
Do nonprofits need to update their employee handbooks?
If you work for a nonprofit organization, you may wonder if your employee handbook is up to date with the latest laws and best practices. An employee handbook is a document that outlines the policies, rules and benefits of working for your nonprofit. It also...
How to lose your tax-exempt status
One of the biggest benefits you enjoy as a nonprofit organization is your tax-exempt status, which prevents you from paying federal income taxes. Maintaining your tax-exempt status is extremely important, and luckily, it is relatively easy to do if you follow certain...
Establishing a nonprofit organization in Illinois
If you are in the process of establishing a nonprofit organization in Illinois, there are many rules and regulations that you must follow strictly. Some of the major issues involved include contribution limits, disclosure by donors and the redefinition of issue...
