Nonprofit 101 - For Animal Advocates Contemplating or in the Early Stages of Starting an Animal Nonprofit (5-Week Virtual Course)

Nonprofit 101 - For Animal Advocates Contemplating or in the Early Stages of Starting an Animal Nonprofit 5-Week Virtual Course - FREE but space is limited Led by savvy business lawyers with a combined 170 years of experience, with expertise in the animal nonprofit sector. COURSE DATES: Teaching Sessions: Tuesdays from 4/4–5/2, 2–3pm EST / 11am–12pm PST Group Office Hours: Thursdays from 4/6–5/4, 2–3pm EST / 11am–12pm PST COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is for animal and/or plant-based diet change advocates who are in the early stages of forming and growing a nonprofit organization, whether you have already filed Articles of Incorporation or you are in the process of bringing an idea to fruition. Over five weeks, we will discuss the special characteristics and requirements of nonprofit organizations that distinguish them from other business forms, as well as how to build a healthy nonprofit board and protect your nonprofit team members. The course will provide an overview of the legal requirements around fundraising for a nonprofit. One week of the course will specifically focus on legal considerations when starting a nonprofit that will be transporting, housing, and/or adopting out animals. Finally, the course will introduce additional capacity building resources of which you should be aware as you strive to make the most of limited resources in developing your organization. Register Here Week 1: What is a nonprofit, and how is it different from other businesses? This session discusses what legal qualities make an entity a “nonprofit,” an overview of the kinds of nonprofits, the potential for certain nonprofits to apply for tax-exempt status, and legal restrictions around lobbying for 501(c)(3)s. This session will discuss the initial state and federal governing documents and fees needed to get your nonprofit up and running, as well as what to note on your calendar for next year’s filings. Finally, this session also explains the concept of fiscal sponsorship and when that arrangement may be recommended. Week 2: Who makes up your nonprofit team, and how do you protect them? This session covers state requirements for nonprofit boards, what to look for in prospective board members, and how to protect your board members with adequate insurance. This session also briefly discusses conflict of interest policies if the nonprofit plans to pay a board member for their work, or purchase goods or services for the nonprofit through a board member’s personal connection. Week 3: What you need to know about fundraising before you can ask for your first donations. This session covers the basics of what you need to do before you can start raising money, whether donations can be tax-deductible if your nonprofit hasn’t yet received its tax exempt status, and restrictions around certain kinds of fundraising (eg., games of chance, unrelated business income). Week 4: Special considerations for nonprofits rescuing, transporting, housing, and/or adopting out live animals. This session addresses the legal precariousness of adoption contracts including return provisions, potential unlawful discrimination in adoption and/or foster care placements, and liability around placing dangerous or potentially dangerous animals. Week 5: Capacity Building Resources/Custom Q&A Topics This session will provide an overview of other capacity building resources available in the animal protection movement as you develop all aspects of your new nonprofit. This final week will also address topics requested by attendees that have not been previously covered.