Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
In an ideal world, nonprofit organizations implement an effective record-keeping system for their important documents. Sometimes, however, through changes in data storage systems, leadership, or pure accident, record-keeping becomes haphazard and important documentation is lost. This article discusses how nonprofit organizations can find five key documents they should always have on record.
Dr. Nicole Steele founded Diamond In The Rough in 2006 as an organization dedicated to providing girls with a safe space to be nurtured, empowered, and equipped throughout the beginning of their lives. Dr. Steele’s philosophy is that every girl, like a diamond, is unique and beautiful. Inspired by the adults who supported and guided …
When terminating an employee, nonprofits must carefully navigate the process to protect the organization from wrongful termination claims. This process, outlined in this flowchart to guide decision-makers during each step of the termination process, includes tips to ensure due diligence, consistency and documentation. The following flowchart outlines the key steps and legal considerations to take …
Last year, the Supreme Court in a landmark decision ruled that most American colleges and universities are prohibited from considering race in student admissions. This summer, an appellate court provided another important decision related to race-conscious offerings in the Fearless Fund case, and this one directly impacts Georgia nonprofits. How might race-based grant-making change going …
Last week, a federal judge blocked the implementation of a Department of Labor rule designed to expand overtime eligibility. The Department of Labor had previously introduced a two-phase increase to the salary threshold for overtime. The first adjustment took effect on July 1, 2024 and the second was set for January 1, 2025. Proactive employers …
Handling client grievances effectively is critical for any nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality services and support. Client complaints, whether about services provided, program procedures, staff, or facilities , can impact your nonprofit’s reputation and effectiveness. Ideally, your organization has a grievance policy to ensure a clear, fair process for addressing concerns. In case your …
Many nonprofits use games, such as raffles or BINGO, as a fun, buzzworthy way to raise funds for the organization. In Georgia, we have some very clear laws that govern fundraising activities, such as raffles, door prizes and BINGO. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Thomas Federico with the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta …
Ready or not, artificial intelligence (“AI”) is here to stay. Let’s make sure your nonprofit is ready! Join us in the latest episode of the PBPA Podcast, where we talk about how nonprofits can effectively use AI while evaluating important privacy, security and ethical considerations. Hear what Jessica McKinney with Smurfit Westrock has to say …
The Fearless Fund, an organization that supports black-women entrepreneurs, recently settled a discrimination lawsuit over one of their programs. While the settlement allows Fearless Fund to continue its mission, it underscores the importance of nonprofits carefully navigating the legal landscape of race-based grant making. This article by attorneys at Moore & Van Allen provides a …
New developments in employment law, including accommodation and leave requirements, changes in the landscape of discrimination laws, and new challenges in classifying workers, may be creating perplexing issues for your nonprofit organization. In this webcast, we will shed some light on these new developments and share practical ways for nonprofits to address new obligations and …
Does your nonprofit host auctions with a live auctioneer? Nonprofits that engage in live auctions should be aware of the Georgia Auctioneers Law (the “GAL”). The GAL requires organizations that conduct live auctions to use a licensed auctioneer, with limited exceptions. Read this article, to understand whether your nonprofit’s auctions might be exempt or if they …
A slip and fall accident may seem like a minor concern or something that could never happen at your facility. Legal claims associated with slip and falls, generally called “premises liability”, may be more common than you realize and can lead to serious injuries, costly legal battles, and significant disruptions to your organization’s mission. In …
In the digital age, sharing and publishing images has become an integral part of nonprofit storytelling. However, this seemingly simple act carries with it intellectual property (IP) and privacy considerations that can significantly impact individuals and organizations. Whether using photographs taken by a volunteer, artwork from a paid artist, or pictures generated by AI, it’s …
Whether your nonprofit is ready to hire its first employee or is looking for a new payroll service, nonprofit leaders should be aware of both general and nonprofit payroll compliance considerations. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Kadale Lubin with Ford Harrison will talk to us about legal requirements to efficiently manage payroll. This …
Atlanta has been affectionately nicknamed a “city in a forest” for the amazing tree canopy that surrounds it. Recognizing the importance of this greenspace, Marcia Bansley, in partnership with other community groups and concerned citizens, founded Trees Atlanta in 1985 as a way to preserve and protect Atlanta’s urban forest. Since the first 46 trees …
A recent case from the federal court in Atlanta provides a good reminder that managers, even mid-level managers, can be held personally liable for violations of minimum wage and overtime pay requirements. The Fair Labor Standards Act holds “employers” responsible for minimum wage and overtime violations. Under this law, a mid-level manager, who acts in …
For nonprofits that use security or other video cameras onsite, have you considered your obligations to safeguard the privacy of individuals captured on camera and ensure the proper management of these recordings? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Sara Guercio with Alston & Bird explores legal requirements and practical tips to help your nonprofit …
Are you looking to make your organization more self-sustaining? Curious to learn about revenue streams beyond donations and grants? Then this webcast is for you… Generating income is a constant struggle for 501(c)(3) organizations. Revenue sources ebb and flow, so revenue source diversification is important. As a result, 501(c)(3)s often explore new ways to generate …
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has recently updated its Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace. The guidance covers a wide range of recent hot topics, from harassment in a virtual work environment to protections against pregnancy harassment. The guidance reflects how the EEOC’s interpretation of what constitutes harassment has evolved over time and provides …
While it’s not common, some organizations find it necessary to change their name. And in order to make a change, an organization must navigate a myriad of issues, stakeholder considerations and legal steps. Before you embark on this journey, take a listen to this episode of the PBPA Podcast to learn about what you can …
Terminating an Employee While They Are On Leave Terminating an employee is a sensitive issue, and doing so while they are on leave requires additional considerations. It requires a careful review of employee protections and is only legally permissible in certain situations. This article by Marquetta Bryan with Nelson Mullins and Rayne Towns of Nokia …
Nonprofits provide valuable and often essential programs to support youth in their communities. While providing such services, nonprofits must maintain practices and procedures to prevent abuse and mistreatment of children. This article from Venable outlines ten important compliance strategies for nonprofits to consider for their youth programming.
Since PBPA’s last podcast episode regarding DEI (diversity, equity & inclusion) initiatives, there have been numerous lawsuits against nonprofits not only related to DEI employment initiatives, but also nonprofit grant-making and programming. From the Supreme Court to the circuit court right here in Atlanta, nonprofits are at the heart of many of these lawsuits. Join …
Nonprofit entities frequently depend on the support of interns or volunteers to fulfill their mission. In acknowledgment of their valuable contributions, certain nonprofits may contemplate offering stipends to these volunteers or interns. While the intention behind this gesture is commendable, it introduces potential risks for your organization. This article aims to shed light on the …
