Nonprofit Law
Overview
Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in communities by providing essential
healthcare,
research,
educational,
and social services while supporting economic growth and community development. As demand for these services continues to grow, many nonprofits must balance expanding needs with limited resources.
At
Dickinson Wright,
our
nonprofit law team
helps organizations navigate both day-to-day legal matters and long-term strategic initiatives. We advise nonprofit organizations operating locally, nationally, and internationally on governance, operations, transactions, compliance, and growth.
Our Clients
- Community and nonprofit organizations
- Cultural organizations
- Educational and research institutions
- Foundations and public charities
- Healthcare and eldercare providers
- Housing organizations
- Lobbying organizations and political committees
- Neighborhood associations
- Nonprofit boards, executives, and staff
Our Services
- Forming nonprofit organizations and obtaining tax-exempt status, including preparation of governing documents, employment agreements, leases, and IRS applications
- Advising on governance, fundraising, financing, intellectual property, political activity, tax, and regulatory compliance
- Negotiating and closing mergers, acquisitions, bond financings, and construction projects
- Supporting capital campaigns, strategic affiliations, reorganizations, dissolutions, and other complex nonprofit initiatives
Our nonprofit attorneys also work closely with colleagues across the firm to provide coordinated counsel in related practice areas, including:
Representative Matters
- Guided tax-exempt organizations through formation, governance, and qualification for nonprofit status.
- Counseled corporations and individuals on congressional ethics, multi-state lobbying, and gift rule compliance.
- Advised on the merger of affiliated foundations in connection with the consolidation of related healthcare organizations, including expedited IRS approval.
- Assisted a nonprofit research organization with the commercialization of its intellectual property.
- Obtained IRS approval for a nonprofit organization providing medical assistance in the United States and internationally.
- Established a Canadian nonprofit affiliated with a U.S.-based organization.
- Formed a consortium of governmental nonprofit service providers, including hospitals, first responders, and ambulance services.
- Assisted in the division of a private foundation to improve operational efficiency, including expedited IRS approval.
- Advised clients on conversions between nonprofit and for-profit entities.
- Counseled nonprofit organizations on executive compensation, health benefits, and retirement arrangements.
- Advised on life lease requirements under the Elder Care Act.
