Let's face it. Sifting through legal documents and regulations can be difficult for anyone that hasn't spent years mastering the obscure language known as "legalese." Even the smallest legal missteps can have large and lasting implications for any organization.
Fortunately, ensuring that your organization is up-to-code doesn't have to be painful, especially with the legal resources available to nonprofits in our community. For many, Communities Rise is a first stop for pro bono legal advice and services tailored to the needs of Washington State nonprofits. The first two tools listed below are examples of the resources they offer too:
- Communities Rise's Nonprofit Legal Checklist [PDF download] Make this legal checklist a regular part of your board's annual calendar. This tool will help your organization stay on top of legal rules and regulations.
- Washington Nonprofit Handbook - This recently updated resource addresses many aspects about running a nonprofit in Washington State and includes detailed legal guidance. At the least, take a minute to review the table of contents to see what topics this extensive resource covers.
- Ethics and Accountability for Nonprofits, includes links on practices that demonstrate accountability and transparency; links to legal requirements of ethical conduct; plus, links regarding state law requirements.
- Stay Up-to-Date with the Secretary of State [PDF download] Washington Nonprofits outlines what nonprofits need to do in order to remain "official" with the Office of the Secretary of State.
Additionally, there are excellent attorneys that specialize in nonprofit matters – "approved specialists" – in the Nonprofit Resource Directory. Search for them by choosing "Legal services" under "Legal/Compliance."
If you are thinking of starting a nonprofit or are an early stage nonprofit, check out the resources on Starting a Nonprofit and Fiscal Sponsorship