Non-Profit Organizations

Examines the nature, formation, governance and operation of nonprofit organizations. Topics include the law governing nonprofits; the skills necessary to create, operate, and advocate for nonprofit organizations; determining the legal form of the organization; tax exempt status; fundraising (charitable giving, solicitations, legal regulation of such activities); duties and responsibilities of the board of directors; liability of nonprofit organizations; and ethical issues for nonprofits. The class is designed for both law students and business students. Guest speakers from area nonprofits will supplement the readings and discussion. Readings will include case studies, as well as cases and articles from legal and business sources. A field trip to a nonprofit organization may be taken. Class project involves a case study of a nonprofit, advising the nonprofit organization on legal and business issues and where appropriate, assisting the nonprofit in organizing, establishing organizational and operational documents, filing for tax exempt status, and/or creating operational policies. The final grade will be based on class participation, written responses to case studies, and the students' work on the class projects.