Existing Nonprofit Resources
Running a nonprofit is like any other business – full of paperwork!
We know that most nonprofit leaders do their work because they’re an expert in the mission – not necessarily all the paperwork. If you’re looking to protect, strengthen, and grow your organization, you need the right information. We’ve collected our top resources here to help you level up the nonprofit.
Help! I Got a Cease & Desist Letter- Now What?!
When you’ve turned your big idea into a successful nonprofit, few things are a bigger buzzkill than getting a trademark cease and desist letter. This...
Hiring a Lawyer
Need 1:1 advice? Toolkit members can elect to hire Birken Law Office (subject to conflicts checks and professional ethics requirements) for advice about core nonprofit...
Toolkit Plan Office Hours
As a Toolkit member, you can join the monthly Q&A webinars to ask an attorney questions in a group setting, and hear from other nonprofit...
IRS Applications – Which One Do I File?
So you've gotten your nonprofit set up and it's time to apply for your tax-exempt status. But how? Assuming you're planning to apply for IRS...
How should our members vote – by voice or ballot?
Voice votes should not be used for voting members of your nonprofit. Voice vote does not comply with Minn. Stat. 317A. Legally, the organization must maintain a...
Can board members abstain from voting on nonprofit business?
Question: Some of our board members plan to abstain from voting on a contentious issue at our next board meeting. Can we have a rule to...
Can we accept donations before we receive our IRS tax-exempt status?
Question: We have a donor who would like to make a large donation to the nonprofit before the end of the year, but our 501(c)(3) status...
Can our paid staff volunteer at a special event?
Question: We have a special event coming up, and several of our staff members would like to work the event (they are not event staff,...
What are the requirements for private foundations giving out grants?
Question: If a private foundation offers $25,000 grants, can they give smaller awards to their applicants who ask for the full amount? Yes. Typically, grants...
