Nonprofit Organizations

Without sound legal advice that can head off problems, a nonprofit organization’s entire mission can be at risk. LegalCORPS assists small nonprofits by connecting them with volunteer attorneys who can provide free legal advice and assistance specific to nonprofit entities.

Legal Assistance for Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits can encounter legal issues like those faced by for profit entities, including:

  • Contracts, agreements, and leases
  • Human resources and employment law
  • Real estate
  • Intellectual property

We also have attorneys who specialize in issues unique to the nonprofit sector, including:

  • Drafting of articles of incorporation and bylaws
  • Filing for and maintenance of federal tax-exempt status
  • Operating and governance issues, conflicts of interest
  • Reporting requirements
  • Tax-related issues around unrelated business income tax (UBIT)

Ways We Can Help

Limited Scope Representation

For qualifying organizations with 501(c)(3) status, LegalCORPS can recruit attorneys to provide free legal assistance for business or nonprofit law matters. We do not assist with matters in litigation.

To be eligible for full representation assistance, your nonprofit must be incorporated in Minnesota and have an annual revenue at or below $250,000.

Please note that we cannot assist organizations whose mission includes the transmission of funds to an entity in a foreign country or supporting US individuals providing services in a foreign country due to complex federal laws and regulations.

Startup Assistance

Nonprofits are often the voice of our communities, but starting this type of noble enterprise can be challenging to navigate. LegalCORPS can provide pro bono legal assistance to groups seeking to incorporate and attain tax-exempt status.

To be eligible for pro bono legal assistance with the legal aspects of starting a nonprofit organization, your projected revenue must not be greater than $50,000 for each of the first three years following incorporation. Due to complex federal laws and regulations, we cannot help organizations whose mission includes the transmission of funds to an entity in a foreign country or supports US individuals providing services in a foreign country.

Brief Advice Clinics

One of LegalCORPS’ primary services is our brief advice clinics, which provide clients with 30 minutes of confidential guidance. Once per month, we have a clinic that is staffed by a nonprofit attorney and is exclusively dedicated to issues that affect nonprofit entities. Financial eligibility is not required for a brief advice consultation.

Starting a Nonprofit Organization

LegalCORPS only assists with the legal aspects of starting or running a nonprofit organization. We cannot assist with fundraising, grant writing, accounting, identifying board members, or marketing. Please click here for a resource that assists with the non-legal components of starting a nonprofit organization.

Dissolving a Nonprofit Organization

If you need information on how a nonprofit organization might “go out of business”, please review this document that was prepared by a LegalCORPS attorney volunteer.

Nonprofit Resources

Here are some organizations that provide technical support and/or information to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota:

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Propel Nonprofits
Minnesota Council on Foundations
Minnesota Attorney General’s Charities Division

Metropolitan Regional Arts Council
Minnesota Regional Arts Councils
Guidestar
Springboard for the Arts

Frequently Asked Questions

No, LegalCORPS assists small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Minnesota. It is a statewide organization.

The answer will differ for every client, depending on factors that include the nature of the case, attorney availability, the presence of conflicts of interest, and the number of other cases awaiting placement.

LegalCORPS cannot guarantee that a case will be placed but will make a good faith effort to find representation for an eligible client.

Although placement often takes place within a week after LegalCORPS posts a pro bono opportunity with its volunteer attorneys, the placement process can take substantially longer.

If a matter is time-sensitive (for instance, it has a deadline) LegalCORPS will attempt to expedite the search process.

LegalCORPS does not have ready access to interpreters. However, LegalCORPS will try to arrange an interpreter’s services when circumstances call for them.

LegalCORPS will inform you that an attorney has volunteered to assist you with your legal needs and will send your application to that attorney. The attorney should contact you to initiate the representation process within a week, and if he/she does not, please let LegalCORPS staff know. Effective legal representation relies upon the active involvement and participation of the client. Return your attorney’s calls, show up for appointments (or reschedule if you have a conflict), and provide all requested information in a timely manner. Communication and cooperation are key to a successful attorney-client relationship.

So long as your organization is eligible for LegalCORPS and you present appropriate legal issues you may continue to receive our services.

LegalCORPS determines a client’s eligibility each time a client applies for assistance. For each attorney-client match LegalCORPS makes, the lawyer and client enter into a new engagement agreement. LegalCORPS understands that attorney-client relationships often build over time and that an attorney and client might want to continue to work together. They can certainly do so through LegalCORPS, as long as the client meets eligibility criteria. Once a client is no longer eligible for LegalCORPS services, the attorney and client are free to continue their relationship without the involvement of LegalCORPS.

The board of the directors are the technical owners of the nonprofit organization, so volunteers will need these names for their conflict-of-interest checks.

No, LegalCORPS only assists with the legal matters affecting new or existing nonprofit organizations.