The right resources can make all the difference
Produced in collaboration with nonprofit attorneys nationwide, and in Pennsylvania, this expanded resource library helps nonprofits make quicker work of meeting today’s unprecedented moments and tackling everyday challenges. This library offers sought-after sample documents, checklists, guide sheets, risk assessment tools, and many other resources designed specifically for meeting the legal needs of Pennsylvania nonprofits (though organizations in other jurisdictions will likely find these useful as well).
Some resources in this library are provided at no cost; others are available for reasonable fees. Revenue generated from sales helps fund the production of more content for this library.
Please note that these resources are for informational purposes only. They are meant to accelerate and elevate the legal work of nonprofits but are no legitimate substitute for legal advice and the benefits of conferring and working with a lawyer to tailor documents specifically for your organization’s situation. To responsibly address your nonprofit organization’s legal matters, be as proactive as you can (build systems, issue spot, and always seek the advice of an experienced nonprofit lawyer).
Check back frequently for new arrivals as we’re often adding new content, and please let us know what other legal resources you would like to see!
Keeping good meeting minutes is an art and not a science, but this template and its tips provide a framework for consistently keeping good records for your nonprofit organization.
This template is designed to help Pennsylvania nonprofit startups that want to obtain 501(c)(3) status avoid one of the most common mistakes during the formation process. This document contains IRS-required language along with other provisions to help protect your organization. To help you save time and money, this version is annotated with explanations and finer points for your consideration and for your discussion with your organization’s legal counsel.
Starting a nonprofit in Pennsylvania can be a simple process, and one you can do on your own — if you have the time and patience. Designed to accompany our How-to Guide on Starting a Nonprofit, this kit packages up the startup resources that are for sale on PAnonprofitlaw.org, offering them in one convenient download for a discounted price.
Nonprofits come in many different shapes and sizes, and they are more effective if their governing instruments reflect the constituencies that must be represented to make them work. Nonprofit consultants and “best practices” commentators often seem to assume that there is an ideal structure for nonprofit organizations that is embodied in a standardized set of bylaws taken off the shelf. But nonprofits are not all alike.
Use this simple, time-saving template to authorize an organization’s Executive Director (or CEO) to make payments and approve transactions. Set thresholds for when additional approvals or signatures are needed.
Quality bylaws that reflect contemporary best practices help keep nonprofit organizations healthy. This is our basic tried-and-true template, which provides a great start for most startup organizations that have two founders. (See our sample Bylaws — One Founder as the Sole Member if the organization has only one founder.)
An organization that has 501(c)(3) status and needs to communicate with donors about its tax status can use this letter to recognize donor contributions. This letter also includes language organizations can post on their websites about their exempt status. (If your organization’s exemption ruling is pending, see also our Donor Acknowledgement Letter – Pre-501(c)(3) Status.)
On the IRS Form 990, the IRS asks tax-exempt organizations if they have a written whistleblower policy, and it’s a red flag when organizations can’t answer this question in the affirmative. This time-saving template helps organizations meet the legal requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and provides a roadmap for handling any whistleblower complaints if they arise.
Loans made to a nonprofit organization must be documented contemporaneously in writing. This sample loan agreement is useful for short-term, zero-interest loans made to the organization.
Get a grip on membership to protect your organization from turmoil and takeovers. This guide sheet helps founders and leaders understand the role of members in the governance structures of Pennsylvania nonprofit corporations. Packed with information presented in easy-to-understand language, this 2-page resource contains a visual representation to help explain the concept of membership, lists the fundamental rights of voting members in Pennsylvania nonprofit corporations (with helpful legal citations to the applicable statutory provisions), and addresses commonly asked questions about member liability.