April 16-May 15, 2013

April 16, 2013 - May 15, 2013

Lead Stories

Court Says Volunteer Protection Act Doesn’t Protect from Federal Law Claims

Since Act specifically preempts state laws governing liability, Court says it does not protect against claims under federal laws

Contributor to Trust May Sue To Remove Trustees From Office

Donor-tenant may also sue historic property foundation for racial discrimination under Sections 1981 and 1982

Sandusky Not Entitled to Insurance To Defend Sex Abuse Claims

Court leaves open whether provision of defense costs for such claims would be against public policy

Risk and Reward

Dangerous Risk Management Myths and Untruths

Ready Reference

Is IRS Caving In On Standard For Political Activity by (c)(4) Groups?

Issue Notes

To the Point

Can alumni receive endorsement?

One of the alumni of our 501(c)(3) leadership development organization is running for public office and has asked for our support. Two directors have recommended that we share the alumni contact info with the aspiring politician. I'm concerned that we could quickly and easily get in trouble and could be seen as partisan. How can we be supportive of our alumni and avoid legal and perceptual complications?

Lessons from Litigation

Fund attorney can’t represent minority shareholders without consent

Tax Matters

Founder can’t deduct gifts to her own charity

Employment Law

Teacher’s aide fired for Facebook post

May Webinar

Getting Beyond a
Semi-Functional Board
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
1:30-3:00 PM ET

Do you have a rockstar board?

Or does it limp along listlessly performing the minimum necessary to keep the organization going? Pushed by the CEO because no one on the board wants to be responsible for leadership.

Most boards are somewhere in between. Functional perhaps, but not fully functional. More like what you would call semi-functional.

This webinar will help you get beyond a semi-functional board. By acting intentionally at every step of the governance process, you can improve your organization’s capacity, resilience and effectiveness.

Learn more and register

Nonprofit bylaw review

Don Kramer will review and comment on your own current or proposed bylaws

Do your Bylaws reflect the way you actually operate? Do they protect the interests of those who should be protected? Do they spell out clearly how to deal with governance issues? Or do they create uncertainty for those who have to implement them?

Most nonprofits don't spend a lot of time looking at their Bylaws until there is a question or a dispute. That's when you need bylaws that are clear and unambiguous, so your questions on how to proceed are already answered. That's when bad bylaws can lead to unnecessary controversies or even costly litigation. Nonprofit Issues editor Don Kramer will review your current or proposed Bylaws to see if they work for you.

Learn more

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SAY THAT AGAIN?

April 21, 2025

Those old enough to remember what it meant to say a story appeared “above the fold” on the front page of a newspaper may appreciate this story. People used to want to place stories above the fold because readers would at least glance at the story in the top half of the page that was visible when they picked up the paper before they looked at stuff that was below the fold and not immediately visible.

The printed version of the Philadelphia Inquirer had a four column picture and article about Pope Francis on the day after Easter that was written and printed before the Pope had died but seen by morning readers after his death had been widely reported. The fold divided the two-line headline so only the top line was visible. The top line said: “Pope meets Vance, then”

We can only imagine what readers were thinking before they flipped the page to read: “decries ‘the logic of fear’”

See our "Say That Again" collection

Special Report Available

Increasing Gender Diversity on the Boards of Nonprofit Eds and Meds: Why and How to Do It

This report provides a rare inside view on barriers women face to selection and success that are particular to nonprofit organizations and makes specific recommendations on how to improve the gender ratio.
Download the full report free

YOUR ONE-STOP PLACE FOR NONPROFIT LAW YOU NEED TO KNOW

April 16-May 15, 2013