Category Archives: Nonprofit Law
Immigration Changes for Nonprofits and Churches
1. Form I-9 Changes in January 2017 Recently the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a new version of its Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification form and required U.S. employers to begin using the new Form I-9 by January 22, 2017. Currently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conduct thousands of I-9… Read More »
Nonprofit and Church Alert: Court Stalls New FLSA Rule
On November 22, 2016, a federal court enjoined the new FLSA salary rule that was scheduled to take effect December 1, 2016. That start date is postponed indefinitely pending further action of the Courts, Executive branch or Congress or all three. Judge Mazzant of the Eastern District of Texas granted an Emergency Motion for… Read More »
Do’s and Don’ts of Effective and Legal Use of For-Profits with Non-Profits
Increasingly, it has become common practice for churches and non-profits to combine their ministry with a related for-profit endeavor. Whether it’s a coffee shop or a manufacturing enterprise, non-profits can often be seen involving themselves in successful and profitable businesses. Because of the significant differences between for-profit and non-profit activities and structures, an unwary… Read More »
What’s In A Name?: Non-Profit Branding And Trademarks
“What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet….” (Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II). Although I cannot disagree with Shakespeare’s words when it comes to affairs of the heart, a name means everything concerning the favor and reputation of a church or non-profit. Protect your “rose” by… Read More »
Four Considerations for Managing Your Non-Profit Board
The non-profit attorneys from Simms Showers discuss the management of a non-profit or a church and its board. Serving as the chairman of a non-profit or church organization can be a truly rewarding experience; however, every leadership position comes with its own fair share of difficulties. One of the most labor-intensive responsibilities is managing… Read More »
Legal Audit Checklist for 2015
Numerous laws governing non-profit activities, management, and internal policies make non-profit corporation law a legal minefield. Setting off any one of these metaphorical mines can have catastrophic effects on the viability and legitimacy of your non-profit organization. Legal audits are invaluable tools which can be utilized to manage risk and ensure legal compliance with… Read More »
The Benefits of a Registered Agent
A corporate entity of any kind is what the law refers to as a “legal fiction.” It technically does not exist, at least not on its own. It is a fiction; a story that must be told and re-told. When the story stops being told, the corporation becomes a pretense and all the things… Read More »
Why Non-Profits Should Regularly Assess Risk
Did you know that your organization may be at risk? Organizations face a myriad of unexpected situations that can either promote their success or leave them vulnerable. Non-profit organizations are no exception and should employ risk management strategies to judge the likelihood, severity and effects of potential liabilities. If your organization would like to… Read More »
New Fair Labor Standards Act Changes to Take Effect December 1, 2016
The Department of Labor recently issued significant and sweeping salary threshold changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) through its Final Rule, published on May 18, 2016. The Rule is set to go into effect on December 1, 2016. These changes are the result of a Presidential Memorandum issued by President Obama in… Read More »
End of Year Donations: The Gift that Keeps on Giving?
Although the holidays are a time of rest for most, churches and non-profits often kick into over-drive during this season. The last two months of the year are prime times to connect with donors and potential donors who only have until December 31st to give away money and claim a tax deduction. As your… Read More »
