Posts Categorized: Non-profits

Trademark vs. Copyright for Nonprofits: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

September 25, 2026 Posted by Casey Summar in Non-profits, Nonprofits

Nonprofits spend years building recognition around their names, programs, educational materials, fundraising campaigns, and other creative work. Yet intellectual property is often overlooked until another organization begins using something that looks or sounds surprisingly familiar.  Two of the most important forms of intellectual property protection for nonprofits are trademarks and copyrights. Although the terms are …

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Charitable Registration Compliance: How to Stay Legal When Fundraising in All 50 States 

August 26, 2026 Posted by Casey Summar in Board, Non-profits, Nonprofits

One of the biggest advantages nonprofits have today is the ability to reach donors well beyond their local communities. A small organization can launch an online fundraising campaign, share it on social media, and begin receiving donations from supporters across the country within hours.  What many nonprofits don’t realize is that fundraising across state lines …

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What are the Risks and Responsibilities of Serving on a Nonprofit Board? Understanding Director Fiduciary Duties and D&O Liability Insurance

July 17, 2026 Posted by Casey Summar in Board, Non-profits

Nonprofit board members often wear a lot of hats and their roles can vary widely depending on the nature of the organization from fundraising to hands-on oversight of programs to strategic planning. Legal liability may not be top of mind but it is critical that nonprofit board members understand their fiduciary duties to protect themselves …

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Protecting Your Nonprofit Organization’s Assets

September 6, 2024 Posted by Casey Summar in Board, Director Duties, Non-profits, Nonprofits
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Introduction Nonprofit organizations today face a growing array of risks that threaten their ability to fulfill their missions. From cyber threats to regulatory changes and financial uncertainties, the challenges are numerous and increasingly complex. As these risks continue to emerge, taking steps to affirmatively protect nonprofit assets has become more critical than ever. In this …

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Understanding Minute Books for Nonprofits

July 29, 2024 Posted by Casey Summar in Board, Director Duties, Non-profits, Nonprofits
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Board members and nonprofit-501c3 managers seeking to understand governance and record-keeping.

In the realm of nonprofit organizations, maintaining thorough and accurate records is not only a best practice but often a legal requirement. Among these essential records is the minute book, a vital repository of organizational history and decisions. This blog post will explore the importance of minute books for nonprofits, what they should contain, the …

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Mastering Board Meeting Minutes for Nonprofits

June 28, 2024 Posted by Casey Summar in Board, Director Duties, Non-profits, Nonprofits
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nonprofit 501c3 boardmember taking minutes and writing notes during board meeting.

Proper documentation is crucial for nonprofit organizations to maintain legal compliance, ensure accountability, and preserve historical records. Meeting minutes for nonprofits play a vital role in this process by creating a formal record of discussions, decisions, and actions taken during meetings of the board of directors and its committees. This blog post explores their purpose, …

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