The Nonprofit Law Update^®

Summary: For many calendar-year nonprofits, Form 990 usually comes due on May 15, and the filed return becomes part of the public record. A careful review can help keep the filing aligned with the organization’s mission, governance practices, and public-facing story.   Deadlines have a way of closing in while nonprofit leaders are still chasing…

Summary: Mission drift often starts in small decisions. A board approves a program that brings in money but does not fit the organization’s purpose. Leadership spends more time responding to board preferences than community needs. Over time, the nonprofit’s identity becomes less clear, and accountability weakens. Boards play a central role in protecting mission, setting…

Summary: Nonprofits thrive when their legal framework protects trust with donors, staff, and the communities they serve. A nonprofit-focused law firm can help establish a strong foundation, develop practical policies, review fundraising and partnerships, and provide ongoing legal checkups as the organization grows and changes. This relationship-based support lets nonprofit leaders stay mission-focused while keeping…

Summary: Corporate minutes for nonprofits should record motions, seconds, that discussion occurred, and vote outcomes in neutral, factual language. Attributing individual comments, using verbatim transcripts, or adopting AI-generated narratives can expose casual remarks to intense future scrutiny. Nonprofits benefit from simple, repeatable minute practices, often written into their bylaws, and from legal counsel that helps…

Summary: A new year creates space to reassess governance habits that shape trust and momentum inside a nonprofit. Well-built bylaws give boards clarity, authority, and room to act with confidence. There are practical ways to build bylaws that support growth, accountability, and mission-aligned decisions. A calendar reset does something useful. It invites pause. Boards take…

Summary: Succession planning for nonprofit leaders means creating clear bylaws, policies, and role descriptions that spell out who steps in, who can sign, and how key information is accessed before any crisis hits. Boards should aim to adopt a written succession plan within three to six months, maintain an emergency leadership file, and schedule at…