Legal Ins and Outs of Nonprofit Fundraising

NEW! This training will be available as a live webcast for those who cannot attend the in-person training in Seattle.

Gala dinners, walk-a-thons, auctions, internet campaigns, raffles and other fundraising strategies raise funds and increase awareness and excitement for your organization’s work.  They are also helpful to recognize existing donors and reach additional supporters.  Hosting a special event or running a fundraising campaign – requires time, energy and planning, as well as careful consideration of relevant legal issues.

This training will cover a variety of fundraising legal issues that your organization may face.  Your organization will need to know the state requirements that apply to organizations that solicit donations in connection with an event or hold gaming activities such as raffles and casino nights. It should understand the IRS rules for when participants may claim a tax deduction for cash or in-kind gifts made in connection with the event, and when and how you can recognize event sponsors without running afoul of IRS rules.

The training will present information about how to help ensure that nothing happens that could cause liability for your organization.

This training is designed for executive directors, fundraising professionals, board members, nonprofit staff that work on fundraising and attorneys who advise nonprofits.

We will cover:

• Federal tax law restrictions and requirements for nonprofits that have 501c3 tax-exemption.
  • Donations, deductability and documentation
  • Corporate sponsorships
• Washington State Law and rule restrictions and requirements for nonprofits including:
  • Charitable Solicitations Act requirements for WA state and generally if you are fundraising in other states through your website, post mail, and internet.
  • Which nonprofits qualify to hold gambling activities?
  • Unlicensed, authorized gambling activities
  • Licensed, authorized gambling activities
  • Common mistakes when operating raffles
  • Things to know about Bingo
  • Fundraising Events and Recreational Gaming Activities
  • Common internal control weaknesses
  • Serving alcohol at events.
  • Other state law requirements.
• Legal considerations when using new internet fundraising such as crowdsourcing and other types of internet fundraising systems.
• Risk Management and Special Events

3.25 CLE credits for attorneys (pending approval).

Cost: $100 General Admission, $80 Wayfind Volunteers, $60 Nonprofit staff and board members, and Special Sponsorship Price for attorneys who are affiliated with a Wayfind “Champion” or “Change Maker” level Sponsors.