Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
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 …
Updated July 2023 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. Georgia laws passed in 2014 and 2023 significantly limited organization’s ability to restrict guns on their premises. These changes may affect nonprofits that currently have such …
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 …
It’s your charity’s first project in a foreign country – the funds you worked so hard to raise will finally be used to help people in need overseas. You’ve already been approached by enthusiastic people to work in-country, eager to implement your first project. What could go wrong? Well, quite a bit if you aren’t …
While having volunteers is allowed under the Fair Labor Standards Act, nonprofit organizations should be aware of the risks posed by providing compensation to their volunteers. This article addresses: 1) who is a volunteer 2) the risks of paying volunteers 3) what nonprofits can do to recognize their volunteers Dangers of Compensating Volunteers
As all nonprofits that work with children know, these organizations have special issues and risk areas. Having in place good systems for risk management will benefit an organization’s reputation, and can also protect its finances. In this webcast, our speaker will discuss: certain common risks for organizations working with children; and best practices for handling …
A subpoena is a legal document demanding that your nonprofit turn over documents or provide testimony in relation to a court proceeding. You can receive one even in a proceeding where your nonprofit is not a party, such as a request for client records in a domestic violence case. Subpoenas can cause distraction, and can …
Under Georgia law, certain individuals are required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of disabled adults or elder persons. This article explains the reporting requirements, including what should be reported, who is required to report, and the procedures for reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Reporting Elder Abusebuse
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards, covers most every employer in the United States, including nonprofits. Penalties for OSHA violations can be devastating to small employers. In this webcast, you will hear an overview of how OSHA works and what to do if OSHA …
This is part eight of an eight part webinar series that provides general legal information about operating a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation. This Webinar covers the basics of identifying the risks involved in operating an nonprofit; and how to best address those risks in order to protect your organization, your clients, your board, your employees …