NONPROFIT PRACTICE GROUP

Representing some of the fastest growing churches in the United States, the firm has a strong reputation for building long term relationships with nonprofit and charitable organizations ranging from denominations, churches, and para-church ministries to various secular charities. 

Especially notable in this area is the pioneering work in developing the Campus Preservation Planning© process to protect critical resources against unjust claims which are uninsured, uninsurable or under-insured.  The firm works cooperatively with law firms around the country to assist charities with this planning.

The firm is rich in specialized knowledge, ability and experience needed to fulfill the needs of charities faced with issues involving both state and federal government concerns.  Our attorneys possess special expertise in technical nonprofit tax and governance law.  They have substantial experience in formation, governance, dispute resolution, employee issues and fund raising.  Our professionals have special expertise in developing armed/unarmed campus security policies and sexual abuse prevention and response policies and practices.

Our attorneys regularly participate in the Christian Legal Society, the Volunteer Legal Aid, the National Association of Church Business Administration and many local charitable organizations.  Our attorneys are producing web-based video presentations of special nonprofit seminars.

Our attorneys and paralegals provide superior representation in:

• Incorporating, merging, consolidating and terminating nonprofit organizations
• Obtaining 501c designations, including administrative and appeal proceedings
• Preparing and updating governance documents such as bylaws
• Assisting with planning and documenting congregation and board meetings
• Board of Director’s training and selection and on-going counseling
• Developing workable practice and procedure manuals
• Church planting and facilitating multiple worship locations for a single church
• Property tax exemptions
• Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act zoning and land use issues
• Human resources issues
• Outside “House Counsel” services for nonprofit

• Designing & implementing benevolence programs using the “Arizona Working Poor Tax Credit” and Student Tuition Organization Tax Credits

• Faith-based schools program issues
• Long term ground leasing and campus planning services
• Planned Giving Programs and Donor Advisory Services

 View Video Series:

•  When Do Red Flag Rules Apply to a Church or a School?

•  How Churches Should Respond to Sensitive Information Requests

•  Are Churches Required to Obtain Written Permission to Post a Person's Photo on the Church Website?

• When Must a Church Register with the Secretary of State?

• What Are Corporate Records Under Arizona Law?

• Who Has a Legal Right to Inspect and/or Copy Corporate Records Under Arizona Law?

• What Rights of Inspection Do Statutory Members Have regarding Corporate Records Under Arizona Law?

• What Inspection Rights Do People or Organizations Other Than Members Have Under Arizona Law?

• What Is Confidential Information?  How Do We Handle It Under Arizona Law?

• Discussion of Sample Corporate Policy Included With Written Materials For Use In Arizona.

• When Would a Church Be Required to File a Form 990-T?  What Type of Information is Contained in a 990-T?

• Should Church Members' Phone Numbers and Addresses Be Published?

• Where Can We Find a Public Copy of Form 990 Filed Annually By Charities?

• Three Quick Tips for Dealing with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

• Must Indemnity Payments Made by the Church Be Reported to Church Members in Arizona?

• What Are the Limits on Disclosures in Prayer Requests Regarding Health Issues in Arizona?

• NACBA Phoenix Chapter February, 2011 Meeting with Robert Erven Brown, Esq. and Monica Stern, CPA.

Firm Professionals in this Practice Area

• Robert Erven Brown
• William E. Lally
• James R. Hienton
• Kurt A. Peterson
• William G. Ridenour
• Jeffrey A. Bernick
• Scott S. Wakefield