Legal Articles

Non-profits are legal entities that exist to address an important social purpose; they are often charitable and have missions relating to research, education, and/or community aid. Typically, non-profits are registered as 501(c)(3) organizations to receive tax-exempt status from the IRS. Charitable organizations are vital to the social and economic vitality of the U.S. Non-profits in the United States are abundant. Over 1.5 million 501(c)(3) organizations are registered in the U.S. as of 2023. Non-profits employ 10% of the U.S. labor force, making up over $2.5 trillion of U.S. GDP.

As the demand for charitable services increases, and with the surge of donations seen in 2020 and 2021, charities need to get creative with the ways they fundraise. Fundraising is a crucial part of charities’ ability to function. One potentially successful way to increase funding is through charitable sales promotions. This is when non-profits partner with for-profit businesses and use the power of brand recognition to bolster donations and revenue for both companies. If you are a charity or a for-profit organization interested in charitable sales promotions, you must understand how they work and what federal and state laws apply. This article describes what charitable sales promotions are, their benefits, what contracts should include, and tax requirements. You should always consult with an experienced contract lawyer when engaging in sales promotions to ensure you meet all legal requirements. Our team of experienced non-profit lawyers can help answer any questions you may have.

IRS Form 990 is a tax form for informational purposes that most tax-exempt organizations must file annually. Generally, the form gives the IRS a breakdown of the organization's activities, governance, and detailed financial information. Form 990 also includes a section that allows organizations to provide a narrative explaining their accomplishments in the previous year to convince the IRS that its tax-exempt status should be maintained. The IRS collects this information to ensure that organizations continue to qualify for tax exemptions after the tax-exempt status has been granted. This article lays out who needs to submit IRS Form 990, the requirements of IRS Form 990, and how to maintain compliance.

Non-profit organizations are crucial entities in every community. Non-profits often provide stability, resources, and services to many communities in need that local governments cannot, or will not, provide. The most common non-profit organizations are: • Religious organizations, making up 16.7% of all non-profit entities; • Schools and other educational institutions, making up 13.8% of all non-profit entities; and • Foundations and grantmaking organizations, making up 9.2% of all non-profit entities. When starting a non-profit, there are many things you need to consider to operate successfully and achieve your non-profit’s goals. This article dives into 10 of the most important considerations you should keep in mind when starting a non-profit company. If you have any questions about starting your non-profit, contact us today so that we can answer any of your questions.