Inside This Issue
01. Should We Say That? Mission, Messaging, and Executive Orders
02. Fiscal Sponsorship: An Alternative to Forming a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Corporation
03. Upcoming Webcasts
04: Legal Bootcamp Applications Open
05: Recently Added
For organizations whose missions are rooted in uplifting marginalized communities, the language of DEI isn't just branding. It's a reflection of their values and history. But as recent executive orders from the federal government explicitly target DEI language, some nonprofits are wondering, should we revise our messaging? Could certain language expose us to legal or funding risk? And how do we minimize organizational risk while staying aligned with our mission? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Kristina Griffin with Hall, Gilligan, Roberts & Shanlever LLP will be share her insight and expertise to help nonprofits navigate these important questions and more.
Launching a charitable program can be an exciting endeavor—but navigating the legal and administrative requirements of forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation can be daunting. If the charitable initiative is modest in scale or still in the early planning stages, a fiscal sponsorship can offer a practical alternative. By partnering with an existing nonprofit, an individual or group can begin operating a program under their tax-exempt status, often with fewer startup hurdles and ongoing compliance obligations. In this article, our friends at Public Counsel explore tips, considerations and questions concerning fiscal sponsorship.
Visit our Nonprofits and the New Administration Webpage for information on the latest federal government initiatives and their potential impact on small nonprofits.
Establishing an Endowment: When Does It Make Sense?
Every nonprofit fundraiser wants to land that transformational gift, but some major gifts come with major complexity. For example, your donor might propose a substantial gift but want your nonprofit to use it to establish an endowment. If you accept that gift, your staff and board might be thrilled, but what have you just signed them up for? In this webcast we will discuss the basics of endowed funds, how they work, and the work necessary to manage them. We will also discuss alternatives to endowments and steps nonprofits can take before that gift is on the table to clarify the decision of whether or not to accept the gift.
Date and Time: July 17, 12pm
Speakers: Nick Djuric, Principal & Fiduciary Counsel, Bessemer Trust and Josh Dukelow, Gift Planning Officer, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
Brownfield Buy-In: Risks, Rewards and Realities
Is your nonprofit considering the purchase of a brownfield site—a property that may have environmental contamination from past industrial or commercial use? Whether you're drawn by the potential for mission-driven community impact, a prime location, or an attractive price, it's essential to understand the legal and practical implications before moving forward. Join us as we explore the key considerations involved in acquiring a contaminated property.
Date and Time: September 18, 12pm
Speaker: Scott Laseter, Partner, Kazmarek Mowrey Cloud Laseter, LLP
Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta's Legal Bootcamp for Emerging Nonprofit Leaders application is now OPEN!
This program is open to executive directors committed to a career in the nonprofit field who are new to their position and/or are currently running an emerging nonprofit that assists low-income or disadvantaged communities in Metro Atlanta. Participants are selected through a competitive application process. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until spaces have been filled, with a deadline of August 22, 2025. This program is only offered once a year and is limited to 25 participants.
To learn more or apply, click the button below!
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As a client of Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, you know we provide free legal assistance to community-based nonprofits that serve low-income or disadvantaged individuals. We match eligible organizations with volunteer attorneys from the leading corporations and law firms in Atlanta who can assist nonprofits with business law matters. We want to know what’s going on with you. Let us know if you are facing a legal problem or if you have a new project for us. Please don’t contact the volunteer from your last project – please contact your PBPA attorney. We love our volunteers, but all legal requests need to go through PBPA.
Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta always welcomes new legal matters from our clients.
If you have a legal matter that you need assistance with, please contact your PBPA attorney.
Please feel free to forward this email to other nonprofits who may be interested in our services.
