Recent Updates, Fundraising, and Governance for Non-Profit Organizations

Several provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 directly affect both not-for-profit organizations and their donors, and the Act is expected to impact decision-making in several areas. As many non-profits contemplate making changes in response to the Act, a thorough understanding of key fundraising and governance issues is essential to minimize financial, regulatory, and legal risk.

In this program, Pamela A. Mann, partner and chair of the Tax-Exempt Organizations (TEO) Group at Carter Ledyard, & Milburn LLP, and Ahsaki E. Benion, counsel in the firm's TEO Group, will explain the provisions of the Act applicable to non-profits, and what they may mean for such entities.

This course will provide an overview of the maze of federal and state charitable solicitation laws that nonprofits, and any for-profits engaged in charitable fundraising, must navigate. It will also discuss the state and federal laws governing the conduct of not-for-profits and their boards of directors.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 effecting tax exempt organizations
2. Examine federal and state laws governing the solicitation of charitable gifts by non-profits, as well as by their paid solicitors and consultants
3. Distinguish issues faced by non-profits and for-profits that engage in charitable fundraising as part of a commercial co-venture
4. Review the state and federal laws governing fiduciary responsibilities and potential liability of nonprofit boards, and discuss issues related to appropriate governance behavior