Articles and Webinars - Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio

Articles & Webinars

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Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio provides publications and answers to frequently asked questions on many topics.

Please note: These publications and FAQs are provided for informational purposes only, without any representation that they are accurate or complete. These materials do not constitute legal advice and should not be construed as such. These materials do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and any other person, nor are they an offer to create such a relationship. These materials are current as of the date written, but laws change over time and vary from state to state. As a result, the information presented here may not be timely and/or appropriate for any state not specifically addressed. Consult an attorney if you have questions regarding the content of any of our publications or FAQs.

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Board Governance
Compliance and Filing Requirements for Nonprofits
Corporate Structures
COVID-19
Employment Law
Fundraising and Development
Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Trademark
Lobbying and Political Activity
Other Legal Topics
Pro Bono Brief
Type: Article
Type: Webinar

FAQs for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Required Certifications

March 25, 2025

Over the past month, many nonprofits that receive federal funding have been told that to continue receiving federal funds, they must certify that they comply ...

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Not Just a Rubber Stamp: Legal Duties of Nonprofit Board Members

March 15, 2025

We often think of joining a nonprofit board as a rewarding way to help an organization doing important work in our local community. We serve ...

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Staying Legal: The Strings Attached to Your Tax-Exempt Status

March 15, 2025

It is the worst-case scenario for any organization – losing your status as a 501(c)(3) public charity. In this article, we discuss the four most ...

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Keeping House: Three Policies Every Nonprofit Needs

March 15, 2025

As a nonprofit leader or board member, it goes without saying that many responsibilities demand your attention. Policies that are considered a best practice, but ...

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Checking the Boxes: State and Federal Compliance

March 15, 2025

If you are a nonprofit board member, you have a legal fiduciary duty to ensure the nonprofit is adhering to its governing documents and stated ...

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Rules to Live By: Your Bylaws (aka Code of Regulations)

March 15, 2025

Your code of regulations, or as many people call them, bylaws, are the operating manual for your board. Bylaws are a key to good governance. This internal ...

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Call to Order: How to Prepare for and Run a Board Meeting

March 15, 2025

When you think about serving on a nonprofit board, the first thing that often comes to mind is attending board meetings. When nonprofits take time ...

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Do’s and Don’ts for Nonprofits Working with Generative AI

February 6, 2025

For nonprofits, generative AI can be used to help write and edit fundraising requests, social media posts, and annual reports, along with creating useful graphics ...

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Get Ready for New Federal Government Policies and Enforcement Priorities

January 6, 2025

Nonprofits and their communities are gearing up for the profound changes in our federal government that will come in 2025. The incoming administration has discussed ...

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Be Careful of Best Intentions: Volunteer Stipends During the Season of Giving

December 17, 2024

The end of the year often brings a high number of donations. This is a great time for you to review and ensure you are ...

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Year-End Giving: Receiving and Acknowledging Donations

December 4, 2024

The end of the year often brings a high number of donations. This is a great time for you to review and ensure you are ...

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Legal Alert: A Reprieve for Nonprofit Employers: Minimum Salary Levels for Exempt Employees Return to 2019 Levels

November 20, 2024

LEGAL ALERT A federal district judge in Texas recently invalidated the Labor Department’s overtime rule that sought to raise the minimum salary level that white ...

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Guidelines for Posting and Publishing Images

October 30, 2024

The use of artificial intelligence has made it easier for companies to crawl the internet for images owned by their clients. As a result, an ...

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Lobbying Restrictions and Reporting Requirements for 501(c)(3) Organizations

October 2, 2024

501(c)(3) public charities can and should be advocates for change. Public charities can express support or opposition to laws and ballot issues, they can contact ...

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FAQs: Election-Related Activities and 501(c)(3) Public Charities

October 2, 2024

501(c)(3) public charities can and should be advocates for change. Public charities can express opposition to laws, they can work towards change, and they can ...

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Implications for Race-Based Grant Making: American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Fearless Fund

September 5, 2024

Recent court cases have significant implications for charitable organizations that use race as a factor in grantmaking. Litigation in this area is evolving quickly, and ...

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HIPAA and Nonprofits: Does Your Organization Need to Comply?

August 8, 2024

When a 501(c)(3) public charity has access to its clients’ health information, a question often arises as to whether the organization must comply with the ...

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EEOC Updates Workplace Harassment Enforcement Guidelines

May 16, 2024

In April 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released an update to its enforcement guidance on workplace harassment, almost 25 years after the ...

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Legal Alert: DOL Issues Final Salary Rule for Overtime Exemption

April 23, 2024

LEGAL ALERT On April 23, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its final rule regarding the salary threshold for overtime exemptions under the Fair ...

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Legal Alert: Scam Targets Trademark Owners with False Law Firm Solicitations

March 5, 2024

LEGAL ALERT Nonprofits with trademarks have likely experienced being the target of scams related to their trademark registrations. The scams have been growing in sophistication ...

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Considering a Change? – Mergers, Combinations (and Dissolutions)

February 28, 2024

Nonprofits constantly face both internal and external challenges as they strive to fulfill their missions. Regardless of whether things are going well or if your ...

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Nonprofits and the New Corporate Transparency Act: Does Your Nonprofit Need to Report Beneficial Ownership Information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)?

February 6, 2024

Bryan Pautsch, CPA, J.D. and James Alex Bramer, CPA, Dean Dorton This article presents general guidelines for Ohio nonprofit organizations as of the date written ...

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Legal Alert: New Independent Contractor Rule Takes Effect March 11

February 1, 2024

LEGAL ALERT Does your nonprofit utilize independent contractors? On January 10, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its long-anticipated final rule formally revising its ...

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New Form I-9 Becomes Mandatory on November 1, 2023

October 17,2023

Attention nonprofit employers—Starting November 1, when hiring new staff you must use the new Form I-9 released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Given the ...

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M&A For Nonprofits: Legal Structures, Due Diligence, & Dynamics of Culture

October 12, 2023

WEBINAR VIDEO LINK (1.5 hours) Whether you’re considering a merger or simply wish to be prepared for future possibilities, most organizations share the same concerns. ...

Webinar

Guidelines for Responding to Negative Social Media Posts

July 20, 2023

Social media is a boon for nonprofits. By posting on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, a nonprofit with limited means can reach ...

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Legal Alert: EEOC Releases Updated COVID-19 Guidance

May 24, 2023

On May 11, 2023, the Biden-Harris administration ended the COVID-19 public health emergency and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its technical assistance ...

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Ohio Nonprofits No Longer Need Permits to Gift Alcohol

April 17, 2023

Before raffling off a bourbon basket at their next gala, Ohio nonprofits should become familiar with the new rules for alcohol at charity events. Recently, ...

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Ask the Expert! Insurance for Nonprofits Webinar

February 23, 2023

WEBINAR VIDEO LINK (1 hour) Navigating the insurance-buying process can be a complex and difficult task for any nonprofit. With generally rising costs due to ...

Webinar

Rolling the Dice with Independent Contractors

March 14, 2023

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Legal Alert: Important New FLSA and FMLA Guidance Issued

March 7, 2023

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Complying With New Federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act

March 1, 2023

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Honoring Donor’s Intent: A Legal and Ethical Obligation

February 8, 2023

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Employment Law Posting Requirements

January 10, 2023

Numerous federal and state laws require nonprofit employers to post notices at the job site describing employee rights. These posting requirements seek to educate employees about ...

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Tax Compliance for Fundraising Events

December 13, 2022

‘Tis the season for lively charitable fundraising events such as galas, dinners, and other creative gatherings. However, fundraising events, whether in-person or virtual, can also ...

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Insurance 101 for Nonprofits

November 7, 2022

Navigating the insurance-buying process can be a complex and challenging task for any nonprofit leader. However, in the current state of the insurance industry, which ...

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Think before you sign: Considerations for nonprofits entering into contracts

October 18, 2022

Nonprofits commonly enter into agreements with vendors, consultants, and even fellow nonprofits. Most of the time everything goes off without a hitch. However, do you ...

Webinar

Sustaining the Mission: Nonprofit Combinations and Other Strategic Partnerships Webinar

September 15, 2022

Given current challenges facing community-based nonprofits, it is increasingly important for leadership to assess how more formal partnerships, including strategic combinations with other organizations, might ...

Webinar

Considerations for Nonprofit Partnership and Consolidation

August 30, 2022

When nonprofits consider a new partnership or even combining forces in a more integrated way, understanding the options for structuring a nonprofit combination can help ...

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Issues Ohio Nonprofit Employers May Face in Dealing with Out-of-State Remote Workers

July 7, 2022

In part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and advances in technologies such as Zoom, remote work is growing rapidly in the United States. As a ...

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Caregiver Discrimination? EEOC Provides Updated Guidance

June 22, 2022

This spring, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provided updated guidance regarding caregiver discrimination under federal employment laws in light of COVID-19 and its aftermath. ...

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Internal Controls for Board Members Webinar

June 16, 2022

Board members may be surprised to hear that they have a role and responsibility regarding internal controls. These controls are critical for any nonprofit and ...

Webinar

Nonprofits: How to Enhance Your Internal Controls

June 8, 2022

As with every type of organization, nonprofits are at risk of falling victim to costly acts of fraud and tend to have some common characteristics ...

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Nonprofit Brand Protection Options: Common Law Trademarks, State Registration & Federal Registration

May 25, 2022

Many nonprofit organizations seek to protect their key brands with trademarks. This article will provide guidance in choosing how to best protect them through trademark. ...

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Nonprofits and Charities Might Attract More Donors with Improved Website Content and Attention to Privacy

May 4, 2022

You may have already heard that it is important for your nonprofit’s website to post a privacy policy. Did you also know that copying and ...

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Can I Pay My Board Members?

February 24, 2022

While nonprofit board members are motivated to serve by passion for an organization’s mission, could a nonprofit also pay them? Paying nonprofit board members for ...

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Ohio’s Proposed Privacy Law and Your Privacy Program

February 9, 2022

The Ohio Personal Privacy Act (OPPA) is a proposed law introduced in July 2021 and aimed at giving consumers more control over the way businesses ...

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Charitable Solicitation Registration

January 12, 2022

Generally, in forty-one states and the District of Columbia, a tax-exempt organization that intends to solicit charitable contributions from the public is required to register. ...

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2021 Charitable Giving Tax Deductions from CARES Act

November 22, 2021

As nonprofit organizations gear up for their end-of-year giving campaigns, consider reminding your donors that several of the benefits of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and ...

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Ohio minimum wage to increase, effective January 1, 2022

November 11, 2021

Attention nonprofit employers: Did you know that the Ohio minimum wage is set to increase on January 1, 2022? For more information and a link ...

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Employee Retention Tax Credit: Does Your Organization Qualify?

10/22/21

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC) has quickly become a hot topic in the past few months, thanks to the significant possible benefits that it ...

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Legal Alert: COVID-19: OSHA Updates Mask Guidance for Vaccinated Employees

8/20/21

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American Rescue Plan Act: Impact on Nonprofit Employers and Employees

May 25, 2021

The most recent COVID-19 relief bill, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), was signed into law on March 11, 2021. ARPA includes a PPP loan ...

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Staying Tax-Exempt: Avoiding Pass-Through Payments to Individuals

April 29, 2021

As a general rule, a donation to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization may be tax-deductible, while a gift to an individual is not tax-deductible. Donors ...

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Nonprofit Employers: Understanding Ohio’s Amended Law Against Employment Discrimination

April 14, 2021

All Ohio employment discrimination claims filed on or after April 15, 2021 will be subject to the recently enacted Employment Law Uniformity Act. This Act ...

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Rules of the Road: Managing the Risks of Volunteer Drivers

March 30, 2021

To perform their services, many nonprofits rely on volunteers to drive. The circumstances in which a volunteer will drive vary widely, from transporting supplies to ...

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The COVID-19 Vaccine: What Nonprofit Employers Need to Know

February 12, 2021

We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. As vaccine rollouts begin across the country, nonprofit employers and employees alike may begin ...

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Charitable Challenges and Opportunities – Dissolutions, Transactions and Restricted Funds Webinar

February 4, 2021

The normal lifecycle of a charitable organization has peaks and valleys. But the pandemic has heightened some of those dynamics forcing charities to take a ...

Webinar

Legal Alert: FFCRA Obligations Are Now Voluntary

January 20, 2021

On December 31, 2020, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor updated its Family First Coronavirus Response Act guidance, and updated it ...

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Trademark Scams and Misleading Communications Can Cost You

November 30, 2020

Private companies and trademark scammers can use publicly available information to mislead your nonprofit into paying fees you mistakenly think are required or are being ...

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Year-End Giving: Receiving and Acknowledging Donations

November 24, 2020

Do you receive contributions of $250 or more? Have you provided an event ticket, dinner, or other goods or services in return for a donation? ...

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More Clarification on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act

October 1, 2020

As COVID-19 case numbers remain steady, federal government guidance on employment related issues continues to evolve. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and US Department of ...

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Legal Landmines: Nonprofits Navigating Return to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic

September 2, 2020

Nonprofits are not immune to ongoing and developing issues and concerns related to COVID-19, the impact on their workforce and consequently, the ability to meet ...

Webinar

The Importance of Lease Agreements for Tenants in the Operation of a Nonprofit

August 3, 2020

Nonprofits face unique challenges with respect to space. Some nonprofits serve a specific community and need to be located in a particular area to effectively ...

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