Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
After two-years of staying grounded during the pandemic, you’ve organized a trip abroad and recruited a group of volunteers who are ready to fly out. But when traveling abroad, there are situations in which safety and security issues may outweigh the advantages of international experiences. What happens if something goes wrong? What happens if one …
Nonprofits rely on volunteers to help them fulfill their missions everyday. Some nonprofits rely on a volunteer base more heavily than others, but all nonprofits eventually encounter a difficult volunteer. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Elizabeth Newton will speak to us about how to effectively and legally deal with challenging volunteers. Pro Bono Partnership …
Every day, nonprofits face risk in virtually every aspect of their operations. Since risk cannot be eliminated because life itself involves risk, the goal must be to manage risk. As the word “manage” implies, when a nonprofit attempts to reduce or control, i.e., manage its risk, it takes time, effort and money, all of which …
The hours of work and types of jobs that children and adolescents may perform are regulated at both the state and federal levels by a variety of agencies. Whether your nonprofit works with children or has youth serve as volunteers, there are some clear and not-so-clear laws around children providing services. In this webcast, our …
Dealing with an employee resignation depends on the unique facts of each situation. When an employee voluntarily resigns from their employment, what should a nonprofit employer do? Employers should consider what steps need to be taken to help protect the organization’s interests and to facilitate a smooth transition. This article includes tips for handling an …
This past year has seen record levels of unemployment insurance claims filed in Georgia. Unemployment insurance is temporary income for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. In Georgia, employers typically bear the cost of those benefits by paying a pro rata share of each employees’ wages into the Georgia Department of …
Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta · Board Members and Personal Liability: Options for Nonprofits to Minimize their Risk In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Erin McGinnis answers our questions about shielding board members from personal liability for volunteer services, while also minimizing risk to the organization. Our guest will walk us through the many …
To perform their services, many nonprofits rely on volunteers to drive. The circumstances in which a volunteer will drive vary widely, from transporting supplies to taking senior citizens to doctors’ appointments. Regardless of the reason volunteers get behind the wheel, nonprofits should develop a plan to mitigate the risk of having a volunteer on the …
In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Curtis Romig shares his strategies for minimizing and managing vendor disputes. For each step of the vendor relationship, our guest shares his practical tips to keep your potential disputes to a minimum and reduce the risk of litigation. Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta · Strategies to Minimize & …
Have you made resolutions for your nonprofit in this new year? While you probably have resolutions unique to these extraordinary times, there are still “ordinary” risks that should not be overlooked. This article highlights the top legal risks facing nonprofits: managing information, managing relationships, and raising funds. Take stock of your nonprofit’s current practices and …
Nonprofits (or NGOs) based outside of the U.S. are usually not eligible to receive tax-exempt status here from the IRS. These NGOs may choose to form a brand new U.S.-based §501(c)(3) or to partner with an existing U.S.-based §501(c)(3) with a similar mission in order to be able to obtain tax-deductible donations from U.S. taxpayers. …
In the summer of 2020, Governor Brian Kemp signed the COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act (the “Act”) to limit COVID-related liability for certain Georgia businesses. The Act can provide protection from COVID-19 related claims from non-employees, if explicit warning language is posted at your business. NOTE: The protection has been extended through July 14, 2022 for …
Many nonprofits in Georgia, particularly those that work with vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and victims of violence, do not permit weapons on their premises. On July 1, 2014, the laws of Georgia changed significantly to further limit one’s ability to restrict gun-carrying by licensed gun-holders. These changes may affect nonprofits that currently have …
Confusion over service animals, which are specially trained to help people with disabilities, and emotional support animals, which are used to provide emotional support, but don’t necessarily require any specialized training, have become prevalent in our day and time. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that …
You have heard the stories: “Unsuspecting employee gives company bank information to hacker, Company loses millions!” As you read this, you think cybercrime and embezzlement would never happen within your nonprofit. Or could it? In this webcast, John & Anush talk about fraud and your nonprofit, including concerns such as: • How to detect potential …
In the climate of #MeToo, how do you protect your organization from the significant costs associated with claims of harassment, discrimination or retaliation made by employees or former employees? Even if you have your employee handbook and waivers all in tip-top shape, and are clearly not at fault, an employee or former employee can file …
Food donations support many in need, but nonprofits must not overlook their legal risks and obligations in distributing donated items. Every day, food is wasted by restaurants, growers and stores. This is in part because potential donors fail to understand food donation policy or fear possible liability. Fortunately, a federal law known as the Bill …
Does your organization conduct criminal background checks on employees and volunteers? If so, you must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. In this webcast, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions for ensuring that your organization provides job applicants and volunteers with the disclosures and notices required by the law. Presenters: Craig Bertschi, Kilpatrick …
Everyday food may be wasted if potential donors fear liability. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act protects donors and recipient agencies from liability when distributing donated foods. View this webcast to learn how you and your organization are protected by federal and state laws. Specifically, the webcast will cover: – Can your organization be sued …
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) requires that “all programs providing group care for children” obtain either a license or an exemption from licensing. You cannot simply assume that your program is exempt. If you operate a child care program in Georgia, you must either obtain a license or an official determination …
Even if they have done everything “right”, employers who terminate employees will sometimes get sued. So, if doing things by the book is not enough, what is? The answer is to avoid doing the things that might inspire a former employee to visit an attorney. In this article, an attorney who has been litigating employment …
Nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers to help serve the community. However, a nonprofit may have enough paid staff to fall under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act. If so, the nonprofit has several responsibilities to its employees both before and after a work accident. By following the system, a nonprofit can minimize the impact of a …
Reporting suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable populations (like children and the elderly) is not something your nonprofit may spend time preparing for—until faced with a potentially life threatening situation where the responsibility to act is immediate. During this webinar, our speaker helps nonprofits understand: – Who is a mandatory reporter? – What must …
Because nonprofits enjoy a significant discount on application fees for outdoor festival and alcohol permits in Atlanta, some for-profit entities have asked nonprofits to apply for such permits on their behalf. This article lays out some of the risks nonprofits should consider before agreeing to file for a permit on a for-profit’s behalf. Use Caution …