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HIPAA and Medical Records for Nonprofits
This article addresses HIPAA applicability to nonprofits and focuses on related medical record access issues, particularly for nonprofits that are “covered entities.”
Whistleblower Protections in Illinois and Beyond
The Illinois Whistleblower Act provides enhanced employee protections to those who report wrongdoing at their workplace. What do nonprofits need to know?
Increasing FLSA Exempt Salary Thresholds
Fair Labor Standards Act changes may impact nonprofits. Learn how rising FLSA salary thresholds affect exempt employees, overtime, and staying compliant.
Political Action Committees: A Horse of a Different Color?
Political nonprofits and other nonprofit entities are like horses and zebras with commonalities. Despite similarities, they are fundamentally different “species” of nonprofits.
Nonprofits and Online Website Privacy
Every nonprofit must have an online privacy policy. Learn how privacy laws differ globally and how to create a policy for your nonprofit that is legally compliant.
OFAC Releases New Guidance on International Sanctions Compliance
Is your nonprofit compliance with OFAC sanctions? Learn how a sanctions compliance program helps nonprofits minimize risk and operate internationally.
Helping Others Grow: The Nuts and Bolts of Fiscal Sponsorships
Here’s what nonprofits need to know about fiscal sponsorships, if their organization will serve as a fiscal sponsor or if they are the recipients of such arrangements.
Fundraising Across State Lines: What Nonprofits Need to Know About Multi-State Charitable Solicitation Registrations
Charitable Solicitation Registration impacts your nonprofit's ability to fundraise. Discover how CSRs differ from states and how to stay legally compliant.
Too Much of a Stretch? Bostock’s Expansive Ruling on Title VII Sex Discrimination
The U.S. Supreme Court expanded sex-based discrimination to encompass sexual orientation and gender identity for purposes of employment discrimination protection.
Nonprofit Executive Staffing: 10 Best Practices
An overview of ten best practices for nonprofit executive staffing, focusing on governance responsibilities, legal considerations, and leadership effectiveness.
SCOTUS Trio: Does Title VII “Sex” Discrimination Include “Sexual Orientation” and “Gender Identity”?
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear cases on whether Title VII sex discrimination applies only to biological sex or also to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Unemployment Tax Victory, And the Government’s Role in Defining Religion
Nonprofits and ministries may qualify for unemployment tax exemptions. Learn how courts protect religious organizations from government overreach in Illinois.
Million-Dollar Salaries and Charities: An Unlikely Mix?
An analysis of million-dollar salaries at charities, exploring nonprofit executive compensation rules, IRS scrutiny, and governance best practices.
Volunteer Handbooks: Benefits and Best Practices
Learn why volunteer handbooks matter for nonprofits, including legal benefits, risk management considerations, and best practices for clear volunteer policies.
Schedule B Donor Disclosures: Onward for SCOTUS Ruling
A summary of the Supreme Court’s Schedule B donor disclosure decision and its implications for nonprofit reporting, donor privacy, and regulatory compliance.
Form 990 Changes for E-Filing, Public Access, and Notice Before Auto-Revocation
Learn how recent Form 990 changes affect nonprofit e-filing requirements, public disclosure obligations, and IRS notice procedures tied to automatic revocation.
Rationales for Nonprofit Tax Exemption
Understand why nonprofits receive tax‑exempt status: historical precedents, legal rationales, and how exemptions help religious organizations serve the public.
Forces for Good Summit
W&O Attorney Sally Wagenmaker speaks on Good and Godly Governance at the Southern Baptist Convention Abuse Prevention Forces for Good Summit in February 2026.
Minnesota: Employer Alert
New state legislation requires nonprofits to register with the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program for purposes of government-provided paid leave benefits.
Election Year Dos and Don'ts
Learn about how nonprofits can promote their missions with a range of nonpartisan politics-related activities, while also navigating political restrictions.
Call Your Legislator Today! (or Not?): Lobbying Basics for Nonprofits
Generally speaking, Section 501(c)(3) public charities may use only up to 5% of their expenditures (on an annual basis) for “indirect lobbying".
Nonprofit Cybersecurity: Donors, Data, and WISPs
Nonprofits are strongly advised to develop protective measures commonly known as Written Information Security Programs, to help safeguard valuable data like donor information.
International Grant-Making: Staying Legal with Grantees and Sub-Grantees
A guide for U.S. nonprofits on legally managing international grants. Learn key compliance steps, legal requirements, and best practices for international grants.
Giving Globally Part 2: Expenditure Responsibility
Discover the difference between expenditure responsibility and equivalency determinations. Learn how to give globally and what your options are when funding foreign charitable organizations.
Iowa Law Threatens Churches, Through Definition as “Public Accommodation” And Speech Restrictions
Iowa churches and other religious organizations are now subject to liability for preaching about their sincerely held Biblical beliefs about many controversial topics.
Abuse Prevention Policy Essentials: Protecting the Least of These
For nonprofit organizations like churches, schools, and social service providers that care for vulnerable individuals, it is imperative that such organizations use strong protective measures.
FEMA is for Churches Too
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently changed course to allow emergency relief for churches and other religious houses of worship.
Transgender Access Policies for Nonprofits: Legal Requirements and General Considerations
What should nonprofits consider when developing transgender access policies? Learn about legal compliance, safety, privacy, and risk management issues.
New York A.G. vs. NRA: Partisan Politics or Political Duty?
A practical guide to legal representation in nonprofit disputes, addressing who the attorney represents and how conflicts of interest arise.
Oral Argument Heard: For and Against the Clergy Housing Allowance
Learn what Gaylor v. Mnuchin reveals about the clergy housing allowance, constitutional limits, and religious liberty under federal tax law.
How Nonprofit Directors Should Handle Whistleblower Complaints – Carefully!
Learn how nonprofit directors should handle whistleblower complaints. Learn about investigation steps and best practices for board governance.
Closed for Inclement Weather: Employer Best Practices
What should nonprofits do to address inclement weather issues for their employees? This article gives helpful guides to deciding what policy is best for your team.
White Collar Enough? FLSA Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, and Professional Job Duties
The FLSA's salary threshold for white collar exemptions has increased, which brings up the question who this will apply to. Learn more about the new requirements.
Freedom Path’s Continued Journey: Challenging the IRS’ Dubious “Facts and Circumstances” Political Test
Read about Freedom Path’s journey in trying to establish itself as a 501(c)(4) organization, including an analysis of the IRS’s “facts and circumstances” test.
Love, Love Me Do… You Know They’ll Tax You Too? Tax Aspects of Religious “Love Offerings”
Do religious love offerings count as taxable income? This article explains IRS guidance, court rulings, and key factors that determine tax treatment.
“Lessening Government Burdens”: A Mere Hallmark of Charity, or a Sole Basis for Tax-Exemption?
Learn how the IRS defines “lessening government burdens” and when it may, or may not, serve as a sole basis for 501(c)(3) tax exemption.
Congress Approves Form 990 6-Month Auto-Extension
Congress has approved filing extensions for Form 990. Learn how these extensions may impact you this tax season.
Form 990 Schedule B Disclosure Update: New IRS Rule Invalidated
Read about updates to the Form 990 Schedule B disclosure requirements. These rulings affect 501(c)(4) and other tax-exempt entities, but leave requirements for 501(c)(3) orgs.
Shepherd • Sustain • Send
Disruptions in churches are often compounded by decision confusion. The242momentum's Shepherd, Sustain, and Send framework gives churches a calm, non-tactical readiness approach.
Overtime Pay Update
What should employers know about the federal overtime income tax deduction enacted with the July 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act? Proper classification of employees and their overtime pay is critical.
Nonprofit Legal Check-Up
Is your nonprofit legally compliant? Depending on the nonprofit, the answer may involve legal considerations, including corporate governance, tax, risk management, employment, AI use, and property.
Workshops: Nonprofit “Check-Ups” and AI
Nonprofit "Check-Ups", AI and Data Privacy: Attorneys Sally Wagenmaker and Paul Winters present workshops on nonprofit topics at the 2025 CLS National Conference.
Illinois Department of Revenue Revisits “Religious” Qualification for State Tax Exemption
Explore how Illinois’ tax-exemption rules now interpret ‘religious’ organizations beyond traditional houses of worship—and what it means for nonprofits.
What’s in a Nonprofit Name? Trademark Protection and More
A nonprofit’s name is only a trademark to the extent the corporate name is used to distinguish and identify your organization as the exclusive provider to the public.
Illinois Tax Credit Program to Benefit Participating Taxpayers, Schools, and Students
The Invest in Kids Act provides Illinois non-public schools with innovative funding opportunities, helping private schools access additional financial support.
The Gift of Religious Tax Exemptions, On Balance
Explore how religious organizations balance tax-exempt privileges with state tax obligations and church-state entanglement under federal law. Click here to learn more.
Communications Between Nonprofit Representatives, Attorneys, and Others
Understand how communication rules apply to nonprofits when dealing with attorneys, representatives and others—and preserve privilege and compliance.
Waivers and Consents: How Well Do They Protect Nonprofits?
Waivers and consents can provide valuable tools for protecting nonprofits, informing program participants about safety aspects, and gathering critical information.
Nonprofit Financial Controls
Learn key financial control practices nonprofits need to protect assets, prevent fraud, & increase accountability. Explore expert help with Wagenmaker & Oberly’s.
Schedule B Donor Disclosures: Supreme Court Sides with Charities
Supreme Court rules that California cannot force charities to submit their unredacted IRS Schedule B, protecting donor privacy and reshaping charity law.
SCOTUS Broadens Employers’ “Ministerial Exception” Protections
SCOTUS has broadened the scope of legal protections for religious employers against employment-related claims. Learn more about religious freedom rights and employment decisions.
Accommodating Religious Practices at Work: Patterson v. Walgreens
Learn how the Patterson v. Walgreens case guides employers in accommodating religious practices at work and defines ‘undue hardship’ under Title VII.
Volunteer Tax Deductions
Volunteers may be eligible to deduct their unreimbursed travel, lodging and supply expenses under IRS guidelines. Learn essential rules, record‑keeping tips and exceptions.
Multi-State Employees’ Paid Leave Compliance
Nonprofit employers with staff across multiple states face different paid leave and sick leave regulations. Get practical guidance and HR compliance recommendations here.
Turkeys and Taxes: What is “Quid Pro Quo”?
Understanding when a donation becomes a “quid pro quo” exchange. Learn how donor benefits affect tax deductibility for nonprofits in the holiday-season context.
Upon Request: IRS Form 990 Disclosures – Or Not?
IRS rules require tax-exempt nonprofits to provide public access to their three most recent Form 990 filings, supporting nonprofit compliance, transparency, and donor trust.
When are Nonprofit Revenues Taxable?: UBIT Basics
Tax-exempt nonprofits are generally exempt from paying federal income taxes on their net revenues, but they may owe taxes on income generated from unrelated business activities.
Freedom Path’s Section 501(c)(4) Journey Continues
Over ten years of litigation and counting, Freedom Path continues to seek recognition of its tax-exempt status as a Section 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. What happened? What lies ahead?
Illinois CPA Society Conference
W&O associate attorney Meaghan Falkanger co-presents on political activity dos and don'ts for nonprofits. Learn more at this conference for professionals in the nonprofit sector.
Applying for Property Tax Exemption
Is your nonprofit's property exempt from real estate taxes? Many Section 501(c)(3) organizations qualify for this valuable state tax benefit, which can save thousands of dollars annually.
Napa Legal’s Faith & Freedom Index
How "friendly" are U.S. jurisdictions to nonprofits? Napa Legal's Faith & Freedom Index scores states on religious freedom and regulatory freedom aspects.
FAQs: IRS Requirements for Private School Racial Nondiscrimination Policies
Learn about faqs irs requirements private school racial nondiscrimination policies for nonprofits, with guidance on compliance, risk management, and legal considerations to.
Faith’s Law: Sexual Misconduct in Schools
Understand Faith’s Law and sexual misconduct regulations for nonprofit schools and compliance. Discover insights on legal obligations Learn more about nonprofit compliance,.
Broadly Applying the Ministerial Exception: Markel and McMahon
When does the ministerial exception apply to bar employment claims? Two 9th Circuit decisions analyze religious institution, minister, and vital religious duties terms to favor religious employers.
Always Listening: AI Automatic Note Takers and Related Risks
Always listening, AI automatic note takers pose significant liability and legal risk to nonprofit organizations looking for efficient ways to streamline processes. What are the pros and cons?
Three External Fraud Threats Nonprofits Should Address
Which fraud threats are affecting nonprofits? Business email compromise (BEC), check washing, and investment scams from external fraudsters pose significant risk.
Form 990-N: A Simple Tax Filing Option for Small Nonprofits
What is the IRS Form 990-N e-postcard annual return? What are the eligibility requirements for a nonprofit to file IRS Form 990-N? Take a closer look at this simple filing option for small nonprofits.
Incident Reports: Responding Promptly and Properly
Learn about incident reports responding promptly and properly for nonprofits, with guidance on compliance, risk management, and legal considerations to support effective.
Employment-Related Ministerial Exemptions
Nonprofits should know about three legally distinct ministerial exemptions related to housing, unlawful discrimination claims, and wage-related exclusions.
Charitable Receipts: Why, When, and What to Include
Explore charitable receipt requirements for nonprofits including IRS rules and compliance. Learn more about giving Learn more about nonprofit compliance, legal structures,.
Personal Security as Fringe Benefit
Understand personal security fringe benefits for nonprofit employees and IRS rules. Discover insights Learn more about nonprofit compliance, legal structures, and IRS.
Exculpation
Explore exculpation rules for nonprofit directors including legal protections and compliance. Discover insights on governance Learn more about nonprofit compliance, legal.
Exempt Salary Threshold Update
Understand exempt salary threshold updates for nonprofit employees and compliance. Explore guidance Learn more about nonprofit compliance, legal structures, and IRS.
Integrating Sex Offenders Responsibly
Learn about responsible integration of sex offenders in nonprofits with legal compliance. Discover insights Learn more about nonprofit compliance, legal structures, and IRS.