At twelve years old, Kate Atwood lost her mother after a six year battle with breast cancer. Numbed by the loss, Kate immersed herself in sports and social activities but the spiritual void she felt in her life was still unfulfilled. It wasn’t until Kate became involved with a bereavement camp that she began to heal. Inspired by Kate’s experience, Kate’s Club was created. A nonprofit that began in June 2003 with humble beginnings has now touched …

Many nonprofit organizations provide child care services for parents participating in their programs. These organizations may need to get a state license to operate a day care or they may qualify for an exemption. Even if an organization is exempt from state licensing requirements, their county and city may have additional requirements. This article explains who needs to apply for a state license, who may qualify for an exemption, how to apply for an exemption, and how …

In case you haven’t noticed the activity under the gold dome, the Georgia State Legislature is in session. You might be wondering what your nonprofit organization can do to influence the legislature. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status should be familiar with the IRS restrictions on their lobbying activities (and the lack of restrictions on advocacy). Nonprofits that are involved in lobbying should also be aware of the IRS Form 501(h) election. Finally, nonprofits should familiarize themselves with …

L-R: Reggie O’Shields and Jason BernsteinPlease see pictures of the reception here. To celebrate another successful year, Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta held its eighth annual appreciation reception for donors and volunteers. Over 100 attorneys gathered at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton on January 29, 2013 to recognize the incredible work accomplished by PBPA volunteers this past year. After PBPA clients Michael Kimsey of Resource Service Ministries and Christina Guillen of Jeryme Brown & Mitchell Smalls Foundation spoke …

Risk management does not represent the most exciting or inspiring part of a nonprofit organization’s work. However, it is as crucial as any other task a nonprofit undertakes, because good risk management ensures that the nonprofit will have enough assets to carry out its mission. It also ensures that the nonprofit’s actions will not harm the client population it is trying to serve, the general public, or the organization’s employees and volunteers. In order to assist your …

This legal alert discusses how criminal background checks, when improperly used, may unwittingly make an employer liable for discrimination. It also explains how employers can avoid such claims by following the EEOC’s suggested best practices for employers. 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. As a result, the information may not be appropriate for …