Operating a nonprofit often brings a barrage of legal questions. Do we need an employee handbook? What are the legal issues we need to be aware of with our new fundraising idea? What intellectual property do we have and how do we protect it? What could cause us to lose our 501(c)(3) status?

To help navigate these issues and more, Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio is presenting a four-part workshop designed for current and future nonprofit leaders and board members. Each session – led by expert attorneys across a range of specialties – will focus on different areas that can trip up public charities. The workshops will provide the tools you need to keep your organization in compliance, including checklists for quick self-audits. Attend one session or all four!

Keeping House: The Nitty Gritty of Governance & Compliance
April 14, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.  REGISTRATION CLOSED 

Much like households, nonprofits need proper planning and oversight to run smoothly. Establishing best practices and policies will help avoid the kinds of problems that are costly to fix down the road. This seminar will provide an essential toolkit for maintaining good governance and managing risk in areas specific to 501(c)(3) public charities and will include a self-assessment for your organization.

Attendees will learn to address concerns such as:

• Understanding the legal duties of directors and officers
• Determining executive compensation
• Staying compliant with state and federal laws, including the Form 990
• Dealing with conflicts of interest
• Engaging in lobbying or political campaign activity

Speaker: Erin C. Childs, Esq., Executive Director – Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio

The Employment Equation: Legal Factors for the Workplace
May 19, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. REGISTRATION CLOSED

People are the driving force of any organization, particularly mission-focused nonprofits. Unfortunately, they are often also the No. 1 liability hazard. This seminar is designed to give nonprofit leaders and board members basic strategies for retaining the best employees and avoiding the most common pitfalls that lead to lawsuits. Participants will receive a comprehensive checklist to help assess their organization’s employment practices.

Topics covered include:

• Policies and procedures for hiring and firing
• Classification of workers – independent contractors vs. employees, exempt vs. non-exempt
• Rules governing the use of volunteers

Speakers: Tara K. Burke, Esq., Knowledge Management Attorney and Corey D. Tracey, Esq., Principal – Jackson Lewis P.C.

Intellectual Property: What’s Top of Mind for Nonprofits
June 9, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. REGISTRATION CLOSED

Nonprofit organizations sometimes overlook one of their most valuable assets — their intellectual property. Even nonprofits with limited budgets can take steps to protect their logos, names, marks, ideas, and inventions from the kind of misuse that could put the organization’s finances or reputation at risk. Equally important is understanding licensing and permission to use materials from outside sources and navigating the rules around social media content. Participants will receive a checklist to help spot issues related to their organization’s intellectual property.

This seminar will answer common IP questions, including:

• Why is intellectual property protection important to my nonprofit?
• How do trademarks, copyrights, and other types of intellectual property protections work?
• If my nonprofit hires an outside party to create content, produce a logo, design a website, take photographs, etc., who owns the rights?

Speaker: April A. Besl, Esq., Partner – Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

It’s All About the Money: A Legal Perspective on Fundraising
September 1, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Fundraising is vital to the success of most nonprofits, and many organizations are turning to creative ideas for generating income. But even the best intentions can run afoul of the law, so it is critical that public charities understand the basic rules and best practices for their fundraising activities. This seminar is designed to provide a legal perspective on common development initiatives. Participants will receive an assessment to help issue-spot areas of risk around their organization’s fundraising activities.

Topics covered include:

• Charitable solicitation registration and commercial co-ventures
• Managing risk with volunteer fundraising
• IRS donation acknowledgements and gift acceptance policies
• Unrelated business income
• Basic considerations for creative fundraising, including gaming and crowdfunding

Speaker: Barkha D. Patel, Esq., Director of Education and Senior Counsel – Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio

This series was made possible in part by a grant from the Ohio State Bar Foundation.

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Ohio State Bar Foundation.