Nonprofit Law Podcast #2: Startup nonprofits

Startup nonprofits

Download: Nonprofit Law Podcast #2 (mp3, 06:56)

Shownotes:

Intro

Your guide to the laws impacting nonprofits.
Shownotes…. nplawcast.com
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Topic from a listener… tips on starting a nonprofit

Volunteers
Startups rely almost exclusively on heart and volunteer efforts.  
Make sure you have a dedicated base of volunteers and a *very* dedicated board.  
You'll be relying on them a lot over the course of the first year.

IRS
Getting nonprofit corporate status in your state is a piece of cake... in some instances it can take as little as 24 hours.
Getting the IRS to recognize your tax-exempt status is a *much* longer process, and you need to factor that into your planning.
Right now it's taking the IRS 9-12 months to process applications... some people won't give charitable contributions until that process is done, so it definitely affects fundraising.

Lawyers?
A lawyer is not necessary, but as with all things in life, getting a pro to help you can be really useful.  
The problem is that there are a lot of lawyers out there, but very few that have much training or experience in nonprofit laws.
If you can find one that isn't already maxed to capacity (raising my hand on that!) and he or she is interested in your work, by all means ask them to be on your board!

Resources
This podcast
Nolo Press… How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation (plus California-specific guide)
Alliance for Justice's Nonprofit Advocacy Project (afj.org)
The Pro Bono Partnership (probonopartner.org)

Closing

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AP audio & written guides coming soon
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This podcast provides general information about legal topics but it is not a complete discussion of all legal issues that arise in relation to nonprofits nor is it a substitute for legal advice. This podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is general legal information and the contributors make no warranties regarding the general legal information provided in this podcast , and disclaim liability for damages resulting from its use to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable law.

Nonprofit Law Podcast #1: The lay of the land

The lay of the land

Download: Nonprofit Law Podcast #1 (mp3, 05:08)

Shownotes:

tim-mooney.com
More about Tim
Contact me with ideas on future topics

This podcast provides general information about legal topics but it is not a complete discussion of all legal issues that arise in relation to nonprofits nor is it a substitute for legal advice. This podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is general legal information and the contributors make no warranties regarding the general legal information provided in this podcast , and disclaim liability for damages resulting from its use to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable law.