January 1-15, 2010

January 1, 2010 - January 15, 2010

Lead Stories

Federal Court Can’t Force State AG to Sue Foundation

Eleventh Amendment bars federal suits against state officials on basis of state law

Court Refuses to Permit Lease of Parkland to Hospital

City may not change use of land willed for use as public park “forever”

Employee May Proceed with Suit Against Volunteer Board President

Volunteer Protection Act is not basis to dismiss when volunteer fails to show action was not flagrant

Nonprofit Law YOU Want to Know

Issue Notes

To the Point

Is it legal for a charitable Humane Society to receive donations and use a staff vet to perform regular vet duties, such as surgeries, vaccines, etc. for the general public?

Is it legal for a charitable Humane Society to receive donations and use a staff vet to perform regular vet duties, such as surgeries, vaccines, etc. for the general public? Obviously, the Humane Society can charge reduced fees because of the donations. Is there something that protects a vet in a small business who is unable to compete with the reduced fees?

Lessons from Litigation

Nonprofit status doesn’t preclude economic damages

Fundraising counsel may proceed with challenge to registration law

Kids’ home does not “cease to exist” because of merger

Tax Matters

Sanctuary not exempt where hunters roam

Employment Law

Discrimination standard stricter under Rehab Act

FMLA permits waiver of right to court hearing

April Webinar

IRS Form 990: Public Relations Opportunity or Trap for the Unwary?

Wednesday, April 9, 2025
1:30-3:00 PM ET

Because Form 990 tax information returns are instantly available to anyone anywhere at any time on the Internet, they can be a nonprofit organization's most important public relations document.

They can also be traps for the unwary that lead to confusion, serious adverse publicity, media inquiries, and governmental sanctions.

This session will explore the full (long form) Form 990 from the perspectives of the organization, a potential donor or employee, and a regulator. It will discuss the most common errors and best practices for using the Form as a tool to further the organization's mission.

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?

October 29, 2024

Marketers love to make their prospects feel special. But they sometimes don’t seem to want you to think about what they say to do it.

I received two items recently that made me wonder what they were thinking.

I got a package of discount coupons in the mail that touted a “specially curated” set of offers. I thought they might have my personal interests at heart until I saw it was addressed to “Resident.”

I also got a text message saying that “Kellyanne Conway wants YOU and only YOU to know what the latest polling shows” about the Presidential election. I could click the link to read the “exclusive” memo.

And I will be the only one to know? Really? Do they really think the recipients are that stupid?

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

January 1-15, 2010