March 16-April 15, 2011

March 16, 2011 - April 15, 2011

Lead Stories

Exec Without Insurance When State Challenges Pay

Court says policy exclusion of claims for wages, benefits, precludes coverage

State-Dissolved Church Not Liable For Note Executed in its Name

Court says new corporation with same name was not authorized to enter into transaction

Donor Has No Recourse When Advised Fund Dissipated

Despite finding of breach of duty, donor could not prove damages

Donors Denied Deduction For Gift to Advised Fund

Loans for son’s college tuition showed failure to give up control

Risk and Reward

Myths About Nonprofit Liability and Risk Management

Issue Notes

To the Point

Is this restraining order dismissal allowed?

One of our directors filed for a personal temporary restraining order against a member of our nonprofit corporation. The case was dismissed because neither party ever appeared in court. Now the director who brought the suit wants our Directors & Officers Insurance to pay his personal legal obligations. Can that be allowed to happen?

Lessons from Litigation

Charity may blame accountant for registration violation

Charitable use blocks dismissal of landlord’s bankruptcy case

Hiring lifeguard unable to lift 200 pound person is not negligent

Tax Matters

Charity officer can’t remove tax lien that damages credit

Charitable board service is evidence of residency

Employment Law

Pension claimants may seek to pierce corporate veil

Allegations of bad things not sufficient to show discrimination

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

March 16-April 15, 2011