Trademarks
You put a lot of creativity into your Organization’s logo, but have you protected it? Learn about Trademarks, and how to keep your image your own. Article: Trademarks
Resources
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What Nonprofits Should Know About Intellectual Property
Have your organization invented a product or process? Are your name or original materials protected? Find out about patents, trademarks and copyright from the experts. 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. …
Limitations on Volunteer Liability
Volunteers take on certain responsibilities when they agree to assist a nonprofit. Learn about the risks of volunteering, protection for volunteers and how a volunteer’s actions can affect your nonprofit. VolunteerLiability
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, …
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
Document Retention Policies
The new IRS 990 Form and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act both address the question of document retention for nonprofits. Adopting and enforcing a written document retention policy is a best practice your organization may want to adopt. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole …
Electronic Voting for a Nonprofit Board of Directors
Can the board of directors of a nonprofit organization vote electronically on matter?Electronic Voting Laws
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 …
Audit Committees and Audit Committee Charters
This alert discusses audit committees – what is the committee’s function, who should serve on it and what are the committee’s responsibilities. The alert also has a sample job description for the committee. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, …
Audit Requirements
Learn about audits, reviews and compilations to help determine which one might be best for your organization.
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
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
Staying Legal: General Guidelines for Operating a 501(c)(3) in Georgia
Updated October 2023 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 …