It's inevitable at some point during the life of your organization, a contract full of legalese in dense, 8-point font is going to land on your desk. And if you're like most folks, you'll valiantly attempt to read it, get frustrated at all the jargon, curse under your breath, and then be tempted to just sign the damned thing.
Don't give in! Contracts are the backbone of any organization, so whether it's a commercial lease, a grant agreement, a vendor contract, or something else, the goal is always the same: you need to know what it means and how it impacts the organization before you sign.
Let me help I'll review the contract for you, and explain which provisions are problematic (and therefore worth negotiating), which ones you might want to negotiate, and which ones are solidly in your favor. By the time we're done, you'll understand your rights and obligations, and you'll have the ability to negotiate with confidence. I'll even explain the boilerplate stuff. And if you need to have a contract prepared? You can expect a well-crafted document written in plain English, with clear provisions, fair terms, and no bloat.
Running a nonprofit is kind of like owning a home: if you don't do regular maintenance, things can start to break down. But many nonprofits boards are so focused on programs and operations that they neglect their corporate paperwork.
For instance, you probably know you need to have a registered agent, but did you also know you need to notify the state if your registered agent changes? Did you know you're required to keep a record of not just meeting minutes but all actions taken by the board? Did you know that best practices include having your board and staff sign a conflict of interest statement every year? And did you know that the failure to do these things could jeopardize your tax-exempt status?
Let me help I have broad experience assisting nonprofits with corporate maintenance. I'll ensure that your organization's paperwork is up to date, and I can provide you with the tools you need to stay compliant in the future.
Congratulations! Your nonprofit is officially tax exempt! Your programs are under way, you've recruited a dedicated team that's passionate about the mission, and you've got fundraisers on the horizon. You probably also have a legal question or ten. Perhaps you want to know if you can sell alcohol at a fundraiser. Perhaps you're wondering whether you can have interns. Or maybe you've received a letter from the state or the IRS that has you confused.
Let me help In addition to risk assessment, organizational and strategic planning, and board education, I provide comprehensive answers to those "quick questions" that can crop up on any given day. One-off clients are rare in my practice; most have sought my counsel year in and year out. I take great pride in helping nonprofits anticipate and navigate potentially messy situations by providing sound advice that balances legal requirements with common sense.
Nonprofit directors are passionate about the organization's mission and want to see the organization succeed. But good intentions don't always translate into good governance.
Maybe you have board meetings that drag on for 3 hours, with directors butting heads or getting mired in programmatic details. Maybe your board is micromanaging staff (without even realizing it). Maybe your directors are unclear about the expectations of the role or about their fiduciary responsibilities or about what the bylaws say.
If any of these sound familiar, don't worry! Your board situation is not unusual, and the good news is that it's totally fixable with a little education and training.
Let me help I have over 15 years' experience working with nonprofits as an attorney and twice as many years serving on nonprofit boards. I know what healthy, effective governance looks like and I can help your board take steps to grow, improve, and succeed.