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Governance

The Consequences for Violating Articles & Bylaws

Ultra vires is a Latin term conveying that acts outside the permissible scope of authority set forth in a corporation’s governing documents are an unauthorized activity that cannot be ratified by its Board of Directors. Although many states have effectively abolished this common law concept by granting corporations significant autonomy, ultra vires continue to be an important doctrine in the tax-exempt nonprofit context because such organizations are required to limit their powers to qualify for tax exemption.

April 10, 2023 No Comments

Starting a nonprofit

Online Fundraising

The need to register is triggered by active solicitation efforts such as sending out mailers or participating in commercial co-ventures. The charity does not need to actually receive a donation to trigger registration in many states.

April 4, 2023 No Comments

The Role of Officers in a Nonprofit Corporation

Nonprofit organizations are governed by a board of directors responsible for making significant decisions and ensuring that the organization operates in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. However, to carry out the board’s responsibilities, nonprofit corporations need to have officers elected by the board.

April 4, 2023 No Comments

Fundraising Regulation for Nonprofits

Charities raise funds in a variety of ways, including in person, by telephone, direct mail, email, and through internet solicitations. They also sponsor fundraising events such as dinners, galas, door-to-door sales, concerts, carnivals, sports events, and auctions. Both state law and federal law apply to fundraising activities.

March 20, 2023 No Comments

Charitable Deductions – Date of Gift Rules

The date of gift rules can be convoluted, but they are important for 501(c)(3)s to understand. 501(c)(3)s must provide receipts to donors, which include the date on which the contribution was received. Having a healthy grasp of these rules will help facilitate donor acknowledgments and ease the burden of frantic donors requesting information come year-end.

February 27, 2023 No Comments

Blockchain Applications in the Nonprofit Sector: Part IV – Cryptocurrencies

This is Part IV of a four-part series about applications of blockchain technology in the nonprofit sector. Part I of this series introduced blockchain technology

January 22, 2023 No Comments

Blockchain Applications in the Nonprofit Sector: Part III – Decentralized Autonomous Organizations

This is Part III of a four-part series about blockchain technology in the nonprofit sector. In this Part, we cover decentralized autonomous organizations and how

January 2, 2023 No Comments

Blockchain Applications in the Nonprofit Sector: Part II – Smart Contracts

This is Part II of a four-part series covering blockchain technology in the world of nonprofits. In this Part, we discuss smart contracts and

December 19, 2022 No Comments

Blockchain Applications in the Nonprofit Sector: Part I – Introduction to Blockchain

Blockchain technology has disrupted the way we think about many industries. One major sector that has gone overlooked is the nonprofits industry. Unbeknownst to many, the nonprofit sector is a significant player in the American economy. The United States is home to nearly one and a half million nonprofit organizations, employing more people than the construction, finance, and transportation industries.

December 12, 2022 No Comments

Governance

Non Profit Checklist: Ten Things to Do Before Year End

The end of the year is a busy time for all nonprofits. Because of this, some obligations tend to slip through the cracks. Since the consequences can devastate a nonprofit, it is vital to ensure certain responsibilities are met by year-end.

December 5, 2022 No Comments