Nonprofits 101: Understanding Entity Choices and Governance Basics

This course provides a comprehensive overview of entity choices and governance essentials for nonprofit organizations. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of various entity forms, including not-for-profit corporations, charitable trusts, unincorporated associations, and limited liability companies (LLCs), and their advantages and disadvantages. The course will also cover the basics of by-laws, including their necessity, content, common errors, and what should not be included. Additionally, attendees will learn about obtaining tax-exempt status, choice of jurisdiction, and key considerations for each entity form.


Learning Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast different nonprofit entity forms, including not-for-profit corporations, charitable trusts, unincorporated associations, and LLCs, and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each

2. Review the purpose of by-laws, understand the essential components that should be included, recognize common errors, and determine what should not be included in by-laws

3. Identify how to obtain tax-exempt status, including the forms required and considerations for the applicant

4. Examine the factors to consider when choosing the jurisdiction for your nonprofit organization, including the legal requirements and implications of different jurisdictions

5. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of charitable trusts, not-for-profit corporations, unincorporated associations, and LLCs in the nonprofit sector