Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Board committees are a powerful but sometimes misunderstood tool of nonprofit governance. For board members of small nonprofits, committees can drive focus, accountability, and strategic impact – when they’re set up correctly. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Jared Brandman with National Vision will break down what board committees do, how to structure them …
For many small nonprofits, building and facilities work can be both exciting and risky, often involving tight budgets, volunteer boards, and unfamiliar contracts. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Mackenzie Bell with The Home Depot shares practical risk management strategies nonprofits can use both before a project begins and when problems arise. Episode Transcript
2025 was a challenging year for many nonprofit organizations, marked by uncertainty and funding changes driven by shifts in the federal landscape. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we’re revisiting some of our most popular episodes from the past year—because the unique trends and concerns that emerged in 2025 will continue to impact the …
Collaborating with other nonprofits can be a powerful way to stretch limited resources and amplify impact. By pooling expertise, staff time or funding, partnerships can help organizations do more with less. But successful collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It requires clear expectations and defined roles from the start. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, …
Providers of alcohol, even as a nonprofit hosting a special event, may need to apply for an alcohol license. Before you pour at your next event, make sure you understand Georgia’s alcohol laws and what they mean for your nonprofit. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Rich Glaze breaks down the alcohol licensing process, caterer …
Nonprofits are often drawn to the idea of being ‘self-sustaining.’ Alternative revenue streams—like charging fees for services or partnering with for-profits—can sound appealing as ways to diversify income. But public charities must maintain broad donor support, and too much revenue from non-donation sources could even put their tax-exempt status at risk. In this episode of …
So a donor has offered to donate land to your organization! Great! Or is it? While these gifts can be incredibly valuable, they also come with a unique set of legal and financial considerations. To help us unpack the complexities, attorneys Scott Laseter with Kazmarek Mowrey Cloud and Laseter and William Stone with Kostelanetz will …
You’ve gone through the process, secured your trademark, and now you’ve got that official ® next to your name—but what comes next? What do you need to do to keep your trademark active and protected? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Vijay Nenmeni with Cox Enterprises will talk about the key deadlines you can’t …
For organizations whose missions are rooted in uplifting marginalized communities, the language of DEI isn’t just branding. It’s a reflection of their values and history. But as recent executive orders from the federal government explicitly target DEI language, some nonprofits are wondering, should we revise our messaging? Could certain language expose us to legal or …
The term “furlough” often pops up in the news during times of economic uncertainty—but what does it actually mean, and how does it differ from a layoff? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we explore the key distinctions between furloughs, layoffs and reductions in force to help nonprofit organizations understand some of the options …
Responding to Unemployment Claims As a nonprofit, understanding how to respond to an unemployment claim is crucial not only to protect your organization’s finances but also to ensure you are in compliance with Georgia law. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Wayne Cartwright with Hall, Gilligan, Roberts & Shanlever walks you through the steps to …
A 3-part PBPA Podcast Series Nonprofit board members and the executive director may sometimes have a tricky relationship, but they are always looking to further their nonprofit’s mission. In this PBPA Podcast series, we explore best practices for nonprofit board management of their executive director (“ED”), at every stage of the relationship. Whether you are …
With the constant stream of news coming out of Washington, it can feel overwhelming to keep up with all the changes. From major universities to small community-based organizations, nonprofits are being impacted by these new federal government initiatives. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Rachel Spears and Eadaoin Walsh bring board members up to speed …
Part III – Conflict and Termination One of the greatest challenges a nonprofit board of directors can face is managing conflict with and potentially terminating an executive director. While no board wants to find itself in this situation, it’s crucial to be prepared. In this episode of the PBPA podcast, Alex Drummond with Seyfarth Shaw …
One of the most important tasks a nonprofit board might encounter is managing the transition to a new executive director. With great succession planning, plenty of lead time and lots of luck, an executive director transition might be completely smooth and uneventful. But more often than not, boards don’t have adequate time to plan or …
Effective Oversight to Foster Collaboration & Prevent Overreach As the linchpin of a nonprofit, the executive director is tasked with translating the organization’s mission into action and managing day-to-day operations. But what role does the board of directors play in ensuring accountability while maintaining a collaborative partnership? And how can board members navigate the fine …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …