We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Introduction to Nonprofit Law

The nonprofit sector in America is made up of over 1.9 million tax exempt organizations and accounts for nearly 6% of the nation's gross domestic product. This course will introduce the major legal rules that govern nonprofit organizations, beginning with the historical context that has shaped the modern nonprofit sector. We will explore the different forms of nonprofit organizations and their associated legal obligations, and we will examine the rules that govern nonprofit activities such as fundraising. We will also look at the constraints nonprofit organizations face regarding both political activity and internal employment considerations. Finally, we will examine the various oversight mechanisms designed to keep nonprofit organizations in line with their mission as well as look to the future and explore how the nonprofit sector may continue to evolve.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until July 14

Coursera Plus Annual

Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Development of the Nonprofit Sector: History and Theory

Welcome to this introductory course on the laws that shape and govern the nonprofit sector in America! In this first module, we will look at the history and development of the nonprofit sector in the United States. We'll see the influence of early theories of charitable work as well as the evolving relationship between nonprofit organizations and the government.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a high-level understanding of the legal framework of the nonprofit sector in America, focusing on the major rules and principles that govern these organizations

Instructors with significant experience in the field provide insights and expertise

Addresses key issues and challenges faced by nonprofit organizations, from fundraising and political activity to employment and internal operations

Suitable for individuals interested in pursuing careers in the nonprofit sector, such as law, administration, and management

Provides an overview of the historical development of the nonprofit sector, contextualizing its evolution and role in society

Covers both the legal requirements and practical considerations for nonprofit organizations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Clear insights into nonprofit legalities

According to students, this course provides a clear and well-structured introduction to nonprofit law, offering a foundational understanding of the legal landscape. Recent reviews consistently praise the instructor's engaging explanations and the practical relevance of the content, with case studies bringing concepts to life. While many find it indispensable, some suggest it lacks depth for experienced learners and uses high-level examples. A few older reviews mention that certain content felt dated and could benefit from updates, though this concern appears less prominent in newer feedback. Overall, it's a valuable resource for those new to the field.

Suitable for beginners, less so for advanced learners.

"I felt it lacked depth in certain areas, especially regarding state-specific regulations. While it's an 'introduction,' I expected a bit more detail."

"Came into this with some prior legal background, hoping for more advanced insights. It's definitely an 'introduction,' so manage your expectations."

"Good for absolute beginners, but might be too basic for those with some prior knowledge."

"Good course for beginners in nonprofit law. It lays a strong foundation."

Offers valuable, applicable legal knowledge for nonprofits.

"The case studies really brought the legal concepts to life. I particularly appreciated the module on fundraising regulations."

"This course provided crucial legal insights I desperately needed... The knowledge gained is invaluable."

"The practical takeaways are immediate. Highly recommend it to my colleagues."

"I feel much more confident in understanding the legal environment of my organization."

Instructor demonstrates deep subject matter expertise.

"The professor is a true expert and simplifies intricate topics without oversimplifying them."

"Penn has done it again! The instructor's clarity and passion for the subject shine through."

"The instructor clearly has a deep understanding of the subject and conveys it effectively."

"The instructor is fantastic at breaking down complex concepts into digestible pieces."

Course content is presented clearly and logically.

"This course was absolutely fantastic! As someone new to the nonprofit sector, the content was incredibly clear and well-structured."

"The professor is a true expert and simplifies intricate topics without oversimplifying them."

"This course demystifies nonprofit law. The instructor is fantastic at breaking down complex concepts into digestible pieces."

"The organization of the modules makes complex topics accessible."

Some older material may benefit from revisions.

"The content also felt a bit dated in some parts, especially regarding technology and fundraising. It needs an update."

"My only suggestion for improvement would be to update a few of the older references."

"I wish there were more practical examples for smaller organizations."

Could benefit from more diverse, granular examples.

"I wish there were more practical examples for smaller organizations."

"My only minor critique is that some of the examples felt a little high-level; more granular, real-world scenarios would have been beneficial for new practitioners."

"I found the examples to be somewhat generic, and it would have been better with more diverse case studies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Nonprofit Law with these activities:

Create a Comprehensive Course Outline

Show steps

Organizing course materials will improve your understanding and retention of the key concepts Covered in the course.

Show steps

Review all course materials, including lectures, readings, and assignments
Identify and outline the main topics and subtopics of the course
Summarize key points and concepts from each topic
Create a notebook or digital document with your course outline

Read 'Nonprofit Management: A Primer' by Lester M. Salamon

Show steps

This book provides a concise overview of the nonprofit management, offering foundational knowledge for the legal topics covered in the course.

View The Resilient Sector on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book thoroughly
Take notes or highlight important passages

Review U.S. History

Show steps

Strengthening your foundation in U.S. History will help you engage more deeply with the evolution of the nonprofit sector in the country.

Browse courses on United States History

Show steps

Read a textbook on U.S. history
Watch documentaries or videos on key historical events
Engage with online resources such as history blogs or websites

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Follow Tutorials on Non-profit Legal Structures

Show steps

Tutorials can provide clear and structured guidance on the legal complexities of nonprofit organizations, enhancing your understanding.

Show steps

Explore online platforms or websites offering tutorials on nonprofit legal structures
Choose tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes or summarizing key points

Organize a Study Group with Coursemates

Show steps

Peer discussions can foster a deeper understanding of complex legal concepts and provide alternative perspectives.

Show steps

Reach out to classmates and propose forming a study group
Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule
Prepare for each meeting by reviewing course materials and preparing questions
Engage in active discussions and share perspectives on legal issues covered in the course

Volunteer with a Local Nonprofit Organization

Show steps

Hands-on experience with a nonprofit can provide valuable insights into their operations and the practical implications of legal requirements.

Show steps

Research local nonprofit organizations aligned with your interests
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend volunteer orientation and training sessions
Participate in volunteer activities and observe how the organization operates

Develop a Proposal for a Nonprofit Organization

Show steps

Creating a proposal will not only enhance your understanding of how nonprofits operate but also involve you in the practical aspects of designing a nonprofit organization.

Show steps

Research different types of nonprofit organizations
Identify a specific problem or need to be addressed
Develop a mission statement and objectives for your proposed nonprofit
Outline the programs and services you plan to offer
Consider sources for funding and staffing
Write a compelling proposal that outlines the need, goals, and strategies of your organization

Participate in a Case Competition on Nonprofit Law

Show steps

Case competitions provide an immersive experience that challenges your analysis, problem-solving, and legal reasoning skills in the context of nonprofit law.

Show steps

Research and identify case competitions related to nonprofit law
Form a team or collaborate with classmates to participate
Analyze the case study and develop a comprehensive solution
Prepare a written proposal or presentation outlining your solution
Present your findings to a panel of judges and receive feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Nonprofit Law will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nonprofit Administrator

Nonprofit administrators are professionals who have the skills and knowledge to manage nonprofit organizations. This course introduces the legal rules that govern nonprofit organizations and explores different forms of nonprofit organizations and their associated legal obligations. This knowledge helps equip one to manage nonprofit organizations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Administrator

Fundraiser

Fundraisers are professionals who raise money for nonprofit organizations. This course examines the rules that govern nonprofit activities such as fundraising. It also looks at the constraints nonprofit organizations face regarding political activity and internal employment considerations. This knowledge can help prepare fundraisers to succeed in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraiser

Lobbyist

Lobbyists work to influence government decisions on behalf of nonprofit organizations. This course examines the circumstances under which exempt organizations may participate in lobbying or political activity, which is crucial knowledge for those working as lobbyists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist

Nonprofit Lawyer

Nonprofit lawyers help nonprofit organizations understand and comply with legal requirements. This course provides a solid foundation in the major legal rules that govern nonprofit organizations, which is essential knowledge for nonprofit lawyers to advise their clients effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Lawyer

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. This course provides a strong foundation in the legal and regulatory framework that governs the nonprofit sector, which is relevant knowledge for policy analysts working on issues related to nonprofits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Social Worker

Social workers help individuals, families, and communities address social and economic challenges. This course examines the legal obligations and constraints that nonprofit organizations face when providing social services, which can be valuable knowledge for social workers working in the nonprofit sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Community Organizer

Community organizers work to build relationships and empower community members to address issues that affect their lives. This course provides an understanding of the legal framework that governs nonprofit organizations, which can be helpful for community organizers who work with or on behalf of nonprofit organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Grant Writer

Grant writers write proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations. This course examines the legal requirements and obligations that nonprofit organizations must fulfill to maintain their exempt status, which is important knowledge for grant writers who need to ensure that their proposals comply with these requirements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Program Manager

Program managers oversee the implementation of programs and services for nonprofit organizations. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues that nonprofit organizations face when operating their programs, which is essential knowledge for program managers to ensure that their programs are compliant with the law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Executive Director

Executive directors are the chief executives of nonprofit organizations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and governance issues that nonprofit organizations face, which is critical knowledge for executive directors to effectively lead their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Director

Board Member

Board members are volunteers who oversee the governance of nonprofit organizations. This course provides a solid foundation in the legal duties and responsibilities of nonprofit board members, which is essential knowledge for board members to fulfill their roles effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Board Member

Risk Manager

Risk managers identify and mitigate risks for nonprofit organizations. This course provides an understanding of the various oversight mechanisms designed to keep nonprofit organizations in line with their mission, which is valuable knowledge for risk managers to effectively assess and manage risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Compliance Officer

Compliance officers ensure that nonprofit organizations comply with applicable laws and regulations. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that governs the nonprofit sector, which is essential knowledge for compliance officers to effectively fulfill their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Auditor

Auditors examine the financial records of nonprofit organizations to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This course provides a solid foundation in the legal and regulatory requirements that nonprofit organizations must comply with, which is important knowledge for auditors to effectively conduct their audits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Accountant

Accountants prepare and maintain financial records for nonprofit organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in the legal and regulatory requirements that nonprofit organizations must comply with, which is essential knowledge for accountants to ensure that their financial records are accurate and compliant with the law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Nonprofit Law.

Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization

Save

Provides detailed coverage of the legal framework for nonprofit organizations, explaining concepts of charitable trusts, public charities, and private foundations.

Introduction to Nonprofit Law

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Clear insights into nonprofit legalities

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses