The Napa Legal Nonprofit Toolkit identifies and explains, in plain English, the steps needed to establish a faith-based nonprofit, including legal creation and federal tax-exemption. The objective of the toolkit is to clearly articulate the path to successfully establishing a faith-based nonprofit, so that those who wish to fill a need in their community through a nonprofit program or entity are empowered to do so.

If you are interested in forming a faith-based nonprofit or seeking to ensure your existing nonprofit is following best practices and legal requirements, this webinar is for you. This two-part webinar helps nonprofit leaders, attorneys, and other supporters of religious organizations understand the key steps to starting and operating a faith-based nonprofit in compliance with the law. In this first segment, you will learn about corporate governance and how it will help your organization achieve its mission.

This whitepaper examines some of the reasons why nonprofit organizations in California that are animated by Catholic values and/or formed to engage in apostolic endeavors should consider incorporating as Nonprofit Religious Corporations, even if such organizations are not directly tied to the hierarchy or a religious order. Before determining the appropriate form of corporation for your organization, you should consult with an attorney who is licensed in California and familiar with nonprofit corporate law.

The Faith and Freedom Index scores state laws that affect faith-based, federally tax-exempt nonprofits. State scores are based on consistent benchmarks, and, therefore, the underlying state laws can be compared. The benchmarks measure each state’s “friendliness” to religious freedom and regulatory freedom for nonprofits. This Index is similar to popular surveys ranking states that are the most business-friendly, the best for retirement, or the best for raising a family.

This interactive resource walks you through every section typically included in a nonprofit’s bylaws, explaining what the section covers, why it matters, and how to craft language that will protect rather than hinder the mission of your organization.

Most states regulate nonprofits’ fundraising activities through charitable solicitation registration requirements. Basically, this means that in order to fundraise in a state, you need to fill out an application and be approved to solicit or receive funds within that state. Some states have exemptions to these requirements. This toolkit walks your organization through the charitable registration process across the 50 states.

A typical organization is subject to state laws not only in the organization’s state of incorporation but in other states as well. Different states have different rules; the actions your organization takes—from something as ordinary as featuring a donation button on your website to a special occasion like hosting an in-person event—could require one action in California and another in New Hampshire. This can be confusing and intimidating. Most people are left wondering, “How is each activity defined in each state, and what do I need to do as a result?” To answer these questions and simplify the process, Napa Legal has created this only-of-its-kind state matrix to help. Whether you are a total newcomer to nonprofit law or an experienced lawyer doing research, this resource is for you. Containing tax information, charitable registration statute details, and additional facts on local regulations, the multi-state matrix hosts all of the relevant information specifically for faith-based nonprofit activity.

Using a compliance calendar can minimize the risk of fines and penalties associated with missed or late filings and have a measurable impact on an organization’s efficient functioning, financial bottom line, and reputation.

Nonprofits, just like commercial corporations, have names, symbols and designs that identify the nonprofit as the source of a good or service. These identifying words, phrases, logos, and designs are trademarks. Simply put, a trademark identifies to the public that the goods or services come from you and not from another organization. Even for nonprofits, failing to understand and follow best practices with respect to trademarks can lead to confusion and litigation.

While the first line of protection from liability is exercising best practices, holding adequate insurance is essential for any organization as a fail-safe when human error occurs. Most organizations can obtain adequate coverage by considering a combination of five (5) types of insurance, discussed below.

As you begin the formation process, chances are you will apply for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. If this applies to you, whether your organization’s exempt purpose will be primarily religious or charitable, you may intend to refer to your organization colloquially as a “charity” or “charitable organization.” However, according to the IRS, the term “public charity” has a very specific meaning, and not all 501(c)(3) nonprofits are public charities.