Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
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 …
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 …
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 …
Running a nonprofit in the US is difficult enough, but expanding your charitable activity to a foreign county adds a new level of complexity. Join us as our speaker helps navigate the entrance to the international nonprofit landscape as she reviews: Business compliance considerations Legal options to get work done abroad, including working with local …
Charitable solicitation refers to the act of requesting donations or contributions for charitable causes and endeavors. As a 501(c)(3), you probably engage in charitable solicitation almost daily. In most jurisdictions, it is a legal requirement to register with the state before soliciting donations. But registering for charitable solicitation can get confusing, especially if you have …
In an era where technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, digital fundraising offers a dynamic and efficient approach for nonprofit organizations. Payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo and CashApp have transformed the way people give, receive, and interact with money. Nonprofits that integrate these platforms into their fundraising may wonder about the …
A “charitable sales promotion” is a popular form of cause marketing that allows businesses to support charitable organizations while promoting their own products or services. “Friday Donut Sales to Support Local Shelter” or “Restaurant Proceeds go to Food Bank” entice consumers to make purchases with the promise of supporting a charitable initiative. Whatever the arrangement may be, …
Nonprofits of all types are susceptible to fraud, especially those with limited resources or lacking internal controls. It could come as an imposter creating a copycat webpage and taking donations intended for your 501(c)(3), or an email phishing scam to an unsuspecting employee. Is your nonprofit taking the appropriate steps to protect itself from potential fraud? …
Cryptocurrency is quickly becoming a popular form of currency, particularly among younger generations. Cryptocurrency owners may even look to donate their cryptocurrency to your organization. Are you ready? A nonprofit’s ability to receive cryptocurrency donations helps ensure that it is able to accept donations from all interested donors. Learn more about accepting cryptocurrency donations in …
Online auctions make it easy for nonprofits to connect with a wide audience in a convenient format. They have also skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic as a safe option for nonprofits to continue their fundraising efforts. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Mary Benton of Alston & Bird discusses legal considerations around online auctions, …
Are you considering working with a third-party fundraiser, such as a grant writer or fundraising consultant? If working with an outside fundraiser is on your horizon, take a listen to this episode of the PBPA Podcast. When do you need to file a fundraiser’s contract with the Secretary of State? Can you pay them by …
Slowly but surely more in-person events are happening, whether they be client programming, outdoor festivals or indoor mini-fundraisers. As your organization contemplates how and when to recommence in-person gatherings, we offer a few practical tips to mitigate your legal risks associated with holding live events in this article. Tips to Reduce Legal Risks
Often times individuals or groups of individuals want to help out 501(c)(3) nonprofits by raising money for them. They may hold a dinner with friends, a charity golf tournament, a benefit concert, or even a raffle with the proceeds going to an organization. Sometimes organizations are not even aware of these fundraising activities until the …
Our Fundraising series is exploring the legal aspects of conducting various fundraising activities in the state of Georgia. In this session, our speakers will explain the things nonprofits need to consider when hosting festivals, carnivals, block parties, fairs and “Taste of” events in Georgia. They will cover topics including risk issues, income and sales tax, …
You may be familiar with the fact that even tax-exempt organizations have to pay tax on income from an activity that is regularly carried on if it is not substantially related to the organization’s exempt purpose. This is known as “unrelated business income tax” or UBIT. Under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), …
As a Georgia nonprofit, are you supposed to: (a) pay sales tax on items you buy? (b) charge sales tax on items you sell? (c) charge sales tax on fundraising activities including admissions to our galas, golf tournaments, and fun runs or (d) all of the above? Much of the time, the answer is (d) …
This year, perhaps more than ever, you want to acknowledge donors for their contributions. In this episode of the PBPA podcast, we will be talking about thanking donors and written acknowledgements. When should a “thank you” to donors be sent? What are the specific legal requirements of the acknowledgement? During this podcast, our guest Robyn …
Updated August 3, 2022 Complying with charitable solicitation registration, annual renewals and filings, and disclosure statement requirements for multiple states takes a lot of time and requires detailed and dedicated focus. There are many companies that provide this service at a reasonable cost. This is a chart comparing various charitable solicitation compliance companies. Pro Bono …
Updated January 3, 2025 Remember that tote bag you got when you made a donation to public radio? Did you know that the IRS cares about the value of that bag? According to the IRS, if something of value is given to a donor in exchange for the donation (a “quid pro quo”), then the …
Your organization may be required by the state of Georgia to get an audit. Although some organizations are exempt, most nonprofit organizations must register for charitable solicitation in order to solicit donations in the state of Georgia. In order to register for charitable solicitation in Georgia, an organization must submit certain financial statements. Financial statements …
Our Fundraising series is exploring the legal aspects of conducting various fundraising activities in the state of Georgia. In this session, our speaker will explain the things nonprofits need to consider when hosting sporting activities such as road races and golf tournaments in Georgia. She will cover topics including risk issues, income and sales tax, …
Does your nonprofit host auctions or galas as part of its fundraising efforts? Venue, caterer, silent auction items . . CHECK! What about: – Registering with your local sheriff to host that raffle? – If you are serving alcohol, applying for a liquor license? – Paying and collecting sales taxes on catering, ticket sales and …
If your nonprofit doesn’t have the proper license from the local sheriff, that raffle you’re holding may be considered illegal gambling in the State of Georgia. Learn how to comply with the law and stay out of trouble. Legal Raffles
Has anyone ever offered your organization a gift of stock, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, or other investments? Many organizations do not think about a policy for accepting such investments and a procedure for managing them until the offer is made and then urgency takes priority instead of a thoughtful plan. Some nonprofits also receive offers …