Georgia Sunshine Laws for Nonprofit Organizations
Georgia law requires certain nonprofit organizations to allow public access to their records and meetings. Learn who must comply with the Sunshine Laws and what these laws require.
Articles
Fiduciary Duty of Board of Directors to Oversee Financial Affairs
Since Enron, the board of directors has been required to take on a greater role in overseeing the financial affairs of a nonprofit organization. All of your board members should read this! Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, on …
Fiduciary Duties of Georgia Nonprofit Directors
Learn about the meaning of the fiduciary duties of care, loyalty and obedience, and some practical suggestions for carrying these out.
Conflict of Interest Policies: Disclosure, Monitoring, and Enforcement
The IRS has made it clear that you should have a written conflict of interest policy and it’s a good idea for your organization. Learn how often they should be reporting and the additional compliance steps you need to take. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that …
Whistleblower Policies
The newly revised Form 990 now asks directly whether your organization has adopted a whistleblower policy. Learn how a written policy can benefit your board now, and save you pain and trouble later. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, …
Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice: A Guide for Charities and Foundations
This Guide outlines 33 practices designed to support board members and staff leaders of every charitable organization as they work to improve their own operations using guiding principles of ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency. The Panel encourages these leaders to examine the practices carefully and determine how best they should be applied to their own …
Good Corporate Governance for Nonprofits
Good corporate governance practices are vital to keeping your nonprofit status, satisfying donors, and running a tight ship. Here are some suggestions that will set you off in the right direction. Corporate Governance
Charitable Contributions: Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements
How does your organization deal with the value of benefits, goods or services given to a donor in exchange for a donation? This publication will teach you how to deal with this and other tricky issues involving written acknowledgements and disclosures. Charitable Contributions
How to Obtain Alcohol Permits for Special Events
Alcohol permit laws apply to nonprofit special events too! Here are some guidelines to get you started. How to Obtain Alcohol Permits
B-I-N-G-O: Bingo as a Fundraiser
Updated January 24, 2023 If your nonprofit is interested in hosting a bingo game, it is important to remember that Georgia gambling laws may apply. Read this article to learn about how to legally operate a bingo game as a fundraising event with a license from the Georgia Secretary of State and proper reporting and …
How to Apply for a Wine Auction Permit
So a generous donor has given you cases of wine for your silent auction. Did you know that you need a permit? Wine Auction Permits
Games of Chance: Your Fundraiser May Be Illegal Gambling
Updated January 24, 2023. If you’re interested in holding casino night, poker tournaments, raffles or even bingo to raise money, your fundraiser may be illegal. Learn here how to avoid problems with Georgia’s gambling laws. Gambling Fundraisers
Reporting Requirements for Non-Cash Charitable Donations under the New Form 990
The IRS now asks for more information in the revised IRS Form 990 regarding in-kind donations like clothing, cars and boats. This alert covers those reporting requirements, and the acknowledgement changes that could affect your donors. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole …
Internet Solicitation
Does your Organization receive donations through an internet website? Here’s when, where and how you might have to register to solicit donations in different states. Internet Solicitation for Charitable Donations
Alternative Fundraising: What Every Nonprofit Should Know
In tough economic times lots of tax exempt organizations turn to alternative ways of raising money. But being creative may mean problems with the IRS. Learn the rules dealing with unrelated business income tax, debt-financed income and joint ventures with for-profits. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information …
“Doing Business As” and Trade Names in Georgia
If you are doing business under a different trade name than your organization’s legal name, you probably need to fill out a “Doing Business As” (DBA) application. Here are the steps you will need to take to successfully fill out and submit your DBA application in Georgia. DBAs
Staying Legal: General Guidelines for Operating a 501(c)(3) in Georgia
This is our own Georgia-specific source on best practices for corporate governance and compliance with the IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations, tax reporting and state filings. The best methods to keep your 501(c)(3) exemption. Staying Legal
Independent Director Alert
Recent developments make it even more important to have directors on your board who are independent and unaffiliated with your day to day business. This article explains exactly what that means to you, and why you may need to take action. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information …
Executive Compensation Alert
Because you are a nonprofit the Internal Revenue Code puts limits on how much you pay your executives. Learn more here to avoid stepping over that line. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, on the laws of the District …
Public Disclosure
This e-alert sets forth the IRS rules about what information you must make available for public inspection, such as your Form 990s and 1023 form. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, on the laws of the District of Columbia. …
Political Activity Guidelines
Did you know that your nonprofit status means that your organization is not allowed to participate in campaigns and certain political activities? Read about it here to avoid this common pitfall. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, on the …
Compensating Insiders – How to Avoid Excess Benefit Transactions and Comply with IRS Rules
The IRS prohibits every 501(c)(3) nonprofit from paying its officers, directors and other insiders too much for any goods or services they provide to the organization. Nonprofits that do not follow these rules, and any officer or director who approved an excess payment, may be subject to taxes, fines and other penalties. This article will …
Private Inurement
Private inurement (using charity’s income or assets for personal use) is prohibited by the IRS. Learn more about this important restriction and suggestions on how to protect your 501(c)(3) status. Private Inurement
Compliance Guide for 501(c)(3) Public Charities
Even if your organization already has its 501(c)(3) status, the IRS can still take it away unless you do the right things. This guide covers activities that may jeopardize a charity’s exempt status, tax returns or notices that must be filed, recordkeeping, changes to be reported to the IRS, required public disclosures and resources for …