Nonprofit Law – 6873

This seminar covers the legal requirements and policy implications for nonprofit organizations. Course topics include state law issues related to the formation of nonprofit organizations, nonprofit governance models, director fiduciary responsibilities, liability concerns for directors and volunteers, dissolution, state attorney general oversight, and regulation of fundraising. We will also study federal tax law governing nonprofit organizations, including tax exempt status, classification of charities as private foundations or public charities, deductibility of contributions, challenges and opportunities for charitable organizations to partner with for profit entities and otherwise engage in commercial activities, limits on compensation paid to certain executives, and the ability of nonprofit organizations to engage in advocacy and otherwise influence the political processes. Finally, students will consider “best practices” for operation and governance of nonprofit organizations and ways for nonprofit organizations to demonstrate accountability to donors and other stakeholders.