Legal Assistance for Nonprofits offered at Communities Rise

Helps nonprofits meet critical organizational needs and provides with tools and trainings that build skills and support an organization’s long-term health. Offers a range of services, including trainings, clinic opportunities, and cohort models of support. Types of legal issues:

• Incorporation and application for tax exemption status under IRS Code sec. 501(c)(3).
• Nonprofit Governance – Preparing and revising bylaws; creating articles of incorporation; creating conflict of interest policies; creating whistleblower policies, and creating other corporate documents and policies; and advising on good corporate governance.
• Maintenance and Compliance – Advice on maintaining 501(c)(3) status, including unrelated business income and compliance with lobbying restrictions.
• Taxes – Advice regarding federal, state, and local taxes.
• Contracts – Drafting and advising on business contracts.
• Employment – Preparing, reviewing and revising personnel policies, employment contracts, and confidentiality agreements.
• Real Estate – Help with property leases and purchase and sale agreements.
• Intellectual Property – Assistance with registering trademarks, and advising on copyright protection, license agreements, or website-related agreements. However, we do not provide assistance on patent matters.
• Risk and Liability Assessment – Assistance with risk and liability assessment including waiver and release forms, and general advice on insurance coverage.
• Federal Tax-Exempt Status – Assistance applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Does Not help with:

• Litigation Matters – Does not provide assistance on litigation matters or with hearings.
• Conflicts/Embezzlement – Does not assist with situations of conflict between board members/staff, or embezzlement.
• Individual Claims against Nonprofits – Does not provide assistance to individuals with their pursuit of claims against nonprofit and community organizations.
• Ongoing Legal Assistance – Unable to help find an attorney to serve on a nonprofit’s board, or have an attorney be on-call or serve as General Counsel.
• Legal Advice Over the Phone – Does not provide legal advice over the phone.

Service is not a “hotline” service. Only provides legal assistance upon receiving a written application. However, can answer questions about the application process over the phone or by email. Grant writing and Fundraising Assistance Offers monthly clinics on grant writing and fundraising. Staff discuss the grant writing process, understand the best practices in finding grants or planning fundraising events, or go over a draft document or plan and get individualized feedback from a professional.

Washington 211