Anita Pelletier is Counsel in Nixon Peabody's nonprofit practice group.  She advises nonprofit organizations in matters relating to legal requirements and best practices in connection with governance and operational matters. She focuses her practice on assisting nonprofit clients to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. 

Nonprofit Corporate Governance and Board Disputes

With the increased level of scrutiny and transparency requirements from the IRS, state charity regulators, and the public, it is more important than ever that nonprofit organizations ensure their governance and operations are legally compliant. Anita has helped organizations, ranging from the very small to the very large, update bylaws and policies to comply with legal requirements and best practices.

Tax Compliance and Audits

Both the IRS and many state charity regulators are using analytics to identify areas of potential noncompliance to start audits and investigations of nonprofit organizations. Many of these are targeted to specific areas, and it is important to have a plan in place to identify what the regulator is looking for and the best way to respond. Anita has worked with many organizations to guide them through these audits and investigations. Most recently, she assisted a nonprofit to respond to an IRS inquiry questioning whether the organization's activities were charitable and an organization to respond to noncompliance allegations by a state charity regulator in connection with the receipt of a charitable bequest.

Reorganizations, Mergers, Dissolutions, and Sale of Assets

The current climate for nonprofits is unprecedented. Efficient and effective operations are more important than ever. Many nonprofits are working to leverage current assets and seek strategic alliances to ensure continued operations to assist the most vulnerable in society. Anita has worked with many nonprofits to successfully sell assets and navigate mergers and dissolutions, including working through state charity-approval processes, which have become subject to increased scrutiny. Most recently, her work in this area included assisting nonprofit housing organizations to sell or refinance housing projects and advising on the merger and sale of assets by health care and nursing home nonprofit organizations.

Charitable Solicitations and Sales Promotions

Anita has assisted numerous charities to navigate the various rules regarding charitable solicitations in a market that necessitates the use of social media and electronic communications. She has also represented businesses using promotions to develop brand recognition and sales. Last year, Anita’s team helped a business development best practices for operating national sweepstakes and contests.

Bar Admissions: 

NY, Massachusetts