Nonprofit Organizations

With more than 40 years of experience, the lawyers of Bisceglie & Gritt offer nonprofit organizations a wide range of services, including legal, regulatory, operational, and business advice. The firm’s attorneys serve as counsel to a variety of tax-exempt organizations, including public charities, membership associations and clubs, religious organizations, and foundations. Our legal services to these organizations include the following areas:

Not-For-Profit Corporate Governance and General Counsel
Bisceglie & Gritt advises its clients on the application of nonprofit laws and regulations, particularly as they relate to corporate structure and business transactions. We serve as legal advisors to nonprofit organizations on matters relating to corporate governance practices and policies, corporate responsibility, fiduciary duties, and industry best practices so that our clients can function effectively and in accordance with applicable regulations. The firm prepares and reviews nonprofit governance documents such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, committee charters, and internal policies and procedures; advises nonprofit officers and directors concerning the best business practices for their organization; helps boards understand their fiduciary duties and obligations; and advises directors on their responsibilities.

Additionally, we provide guidance in the following areas of nonprofit corporate governance: legal audits, internal investigations, conflicts of interest, ethics, due diligence, elections, risk management, insurance coverage, structuring boards and committees, indemnification issues, public and media relations, government relations, lobbying activities, endowment issues, litigation, and compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations.

Tax-Exempt Status of Not-For-Profit Organizations
Bisceglie & Gritt counsels and advises 501(c)(3), 501(c)(7) and other tax-exempt organizations from the stages of corporate formation and application for tax-exempt status through dissolution, mergers, asset sales, and other corporate transactions. We advise tax-exempt organizations and their boards on statutory and regulatory requirements involving federal and state disclosure filings, private inurement, unrelated business income, executive compensation, lobbying and political activities, fundraising practices, endowment restrictions, and other matters.

Nonprofit State Regulatory Compliance & Fundraising Registration
Bisceglie & Gritt provides registration and compliance services with state and local authorities for nonprofit organizations, professional fundraisers, fundraising consultants, and commercial co-venturers. The firm offers counsel on the varying registration and filing requirements from state to state, and prepares and files registration statements with the necessary registration authorities. We also review our client’s contracts with professional fundraisers and fundraising consultants to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations; evaluate donor agreements and joint venture agreements with for-profit entities to ensure they meet state and local requirements; advise nonprofits on postal, recordkeeping, reporting, and disclosure regulations applicable to fundraising; ensure client compliance with the mandated language for all fundraising solicitations; and provide counsel on public outreach, advertising, and intellectual property.