Course Details

Description:

This seminar covers the legal requirements and policy implications for nonprofit organizations which play an important role in our society and present a range of unique legal issues. 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 charitable solicitation and fundraising practices. We will also study federal tax law governing nonprofit organizations, including seeking and obtaining tax exempt status, the classification of charities as private foundations or public charities, deductibility of contributions, tax filing requirements, the 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 issue advocacy and otherwise influence the legislative and political processes. Finally, students will consider "best practices" for operation and governance of nonprofit organizations and ways for nonprofit organizations to demonstrate accountability to its donors and other stakeholders.