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LawforChange
The legal forum for social innovators
LawForChange® is a unique legal resource for people and organizations dedicated to improving lives and bringing about positive social change.
You will find information on the following topics with legal information appropriate for California based organizations.
Community Organization Representation Project (CORP)
Pro bono legal services
Pro bono legal services are offered to nonprofits serving low-income communities in Northern California by the Community Organization Representation Project (CORP) at the Volunteer Legal Services Program of the Bar Association of San Francisco. Visit their website or contact Doan Nguyen at 415.782.9000, ext. 8758 or email so they can evaluate how they may help you address your legal needs.
IRS Tax Information for Charities & Other Non-Profits
Updated website
Stay up-to-date with the IRS. Bookmark their recently updated webite www.irs.gov/charities or select “Charities & Non-Profits” in the “Information For” drop-down menu in the top right corner of the home page.
National Association of State Charity Officials
The National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) is an association of state offices charged with oversight of charitable organizations and charitable solicitation in the United States. The requirements and procedures for forming charitable organizations differ from state to state, as do the registration and filing requirements for organizations that conduct charitable activities or solicit charitable contributions. Consult the US Charity Offices listed on this website for links to state-specific information.
Nonprofit Law Center
Legal information from a nationationally known attorney
The Nonprofit Law Center, is hosted and written by Bruce R. Hopkins. This site provides information on the law as it applies to nonprofit organizations, including developments pertaining to tax-exempt status, charitable giving, and fundraising regulation.
Nonprofit Law Blog
Legal information from California attorneys
The Nonprofit Law Blog offers articles and resources from the NEO Law Group, California attorneys specializing in nonprofit law.
Compliance for California Nonprofits
Reporting requirements for California nonprofit organizations
The Compliance for California Nonprofits website outlines all of the reporting requirements for California nonprofit organizations with links and instructions.
Waivers and Hold Harmless Clauses
Risk managment tools
The reality is that clients and volunteers may bring a lawsuit against a nonprofit if they suffer injuries. The Nonprofit Risk Management Center offers this information about how waivers and hold harmless clauses can serve as risk management tools. They also offer this sample waiver/hold harmless release form and photo release to use with volunteers.
The Brown Act or Open Meeting Law
Does it apply to nonprofits?
This act only applies to nonprofit organizations in the specific cases outlined in the excerpt quoted below from The Brown Act: Open Meetings for Local Legislative Bodies 2003 California Attorney General’s Office
Public Disclosure
The documents your organization must make available to the public
The Public Law Counsel has prepared this memo outlining federal and California state requirements. It’s important to know what must be made available and how you must make it available, as well as what isn’t required to be available.
Bankruptcy Information for Nonprofits
From the Public Counsel Law Center
This information sheet from Public Counsel Law Center explores common nonprofit concerns regarding bankruptcy. It offers a starting point to evaluate whether bankruptcy can help achieve a more sustainable economic future through a reorganization, or whether the time has come to “close with honor.”
State Charitable Solicitation Statutes
Registration required to raise funds in many states
Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia have charitable solicitation statutes that generally require nonprofits soliciting contributions and, in most cases, their for-profit fundraising professionals to register prior to soliciting contributions or providing fundraising counsel services.
New IRS Search Tool: Select Check
The IRS recently launched a new online search tool for information about charitable organizations.
Sales and Use Tax Requirements for California Nonprofits
Yes, nonprofits do have to occasionally pay taxes. Here are some links to help you understand when your organization must pay a California state tax.
Tax credit available for health insurance premiums
For nonprofits who meet these criteria
With the President’s signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on March 23, 2010, all qualified small employers – both nonprofits and for-profits – can claim a full or partial tax credit when they pay for at least half of the health insurance premiums for their employees.
California Attorney Generals Office
Role and purpose
The Attorney General regulates charities and the professional fundraisers who solicit on their behalf.
StayExempt
IRS educational website for exempt 501(c)(3) organizations
The IRS recently launched a new look and improved navigation for its educational website for exempt organizations, StayExempt.
Is Your GuideStar Report Up To Date?
Watch GuideStar’s video about the new and improved design of their nonprofit reports. Based on what donors want to see it focuses on impact and transparency to help people who research nonprofits make better, more educated, and more confident decisions. For an example of this new format, visit GuideStar’s own nonprofit report.
Dissolving a Nonprofit Organization
Most tax-exempt organizations that end their operations, either through shutting down, transferring their assets or merging with another tax-exempt organization, must inform the IRS about the details of the action. In California, organizations must also inform the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State.
Governance Policies & Procedures Samples
Form 990 Policy Series
Developed by group of California based lawyers, the Form 990 Policy Series offers sample policies on a variety of topics including compensation, conflict of interest, investment and more.
How to Read the IRS Form 990
This version of How to Read IRS Form 990 is based on the newly redesigned and expanded Form 990 that was first required for 2008 filings.
Is Your Form 990 Due?
e-filing made easy
Whether you are e-filing or mailing a form, National Center for Charitable Statistics Form 990 Online can help make the process smooth.
Guide to Charities
CA Attorney General's booklet helps answer legal questions
Guide to Charities CA Attorney General’s booklet helps answer legal questions