Employment Discrimination Laws
FMLA, ADA, ADEA, USERRA and more. Learn more about the alphabet soup of employment discrimination laws that may apply to your organization, and how to stay out of trouble. Employment Discrimination Law
Articles
Sexual Harassment
Laws against sexual harassment apply the same to nonprofits as to any other company. Understanding these laws now could prevent big problems later. 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. As a …
Best Practices for Disciplining or Terminating the Nonprofit Employee
Sooner or later all companies have to terminate employees. Understanding and following the best practices in this area can help keep your employee relationship healthy. Employee Discipline
Employer Posting Requirements
Updated on June 10, 2025 Employers are required to post multiple notices in the workplace that inform employees about their rights and responsibilities. The specific requirements for these notices can vary depending on the location and size of the employer. Learn which posted notices are required under federal and Georgia law for your organization. Read …
Employment Law Table: Which Employment Protections Apply to Which Employers
A quick and informative reference to tell you which employment related laws apply to you.
Child Abuse Reporting in Georgia
Changes to Georgia’s child abuse reporting law went into effect July 1. These changes have a direct impact on nonprofits, their employees, and their volunteers. The revisions increase the number of mandatory reporters, i.e., people who are required to report suspected child abuse. Previously only certain types of nonprofit employees were required to report. Now, …
Unemployment Insurance for Nonprofits
Although nonprofit organizations in Georgia are exempt from federal unemployment taxes, they may still be responsible for paying state unemployment taxes. This article helps you stay in compliance with state unemployment requirements while alerting you to an option only available to nonprofits. Unemployment Insurance
Background Checks for Nonprofits
Updated on March 20, 2023 Answers to some frequently asked questions regarding background checks and a list of helpful resources.
Addressing the Risks of Working With Volunteers
If you’re working with volunteers you may not even be aware of the legal issues that exist. Problems can arise with injuries, use of vehicles, screening, and wage & hour laws that you should know about in advance. Risks of Volunteers
Background Screening for Employees and Volunteers
A nonprofit should perform some type of background investigation before hiring an employee and, in some cases, before engaging a volunteer. For some positions, it may be sufficient to check the work history and references. For others, it may be necessary to check criminal records, driving records and/or credit history. This article provides guidance on …
Fiduciary Duty of Board of Directors to Oversee Financial Affairs
Updated January 22, 2026 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 …
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 …
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