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Introduction to Nonprofit Law
John M. Bradley
John M. Bradley
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Choosing the Charitable Form: Legal Requirements & Alternatives
This module will introduce the different entity choices available to the nonprofit sector and the various considerations that go into choosing a corporate form. In particular, we examine how the primary purpose and fundraising strategy can influence the particular form chosen. Finally, we look at the different obligations to state and federal governments that nonprofit entities must fulfill to maintain their exempt status.
Legal Issues When Operating a Nonprofit
This module examines the operational challenges that are particular to the nonprofit form. What legal obligations must a nonprofit fulfill when bringing in revenue? Under what circumstances may exempt organizations participate in lobbying or political activity? Finally, we will study the seemingly simple issue of distinguishing between employees and volunteers in the nonprofit setting.
Accountability; Directions for the Nonprofit Sector
In this final module, we address accountability - who is charged with ensuring that organizations that have been formed as nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations abide by their expected and legal purposes and activities?
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , 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
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Activities
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Introduction to Nonprofit Law.
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Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Nonprofit Law will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Nonprofit Administrator
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.
Fundraiser
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.
Lobbyist
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.
Nonprofit Lawyer
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Accountant
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.
Compliance Officer
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.
Grant Writer
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.
Program Manager
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.
Executive Director
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.
Board Member
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.
Community Organizer
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.
Social Worker
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.
Risk Manager
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.
Auditor
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/14wwdw/introduction
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.
Provides detailed coverage of the legal framework for nonprofit organizations, explaining concepts of charitable trusts, public charities, and private foundations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the governance of nonprofit organizations. It valuable resource for anyone who serves on the board of a nonprofit organization.
Provides a comprehensive analysis of corporate law issues related to nonprofit organizations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and governance issues that nonprofit organizations face. It valuable resource for anyone who works with or is interested in nonprofit organizations.
Save
Collection of essays that provide an overview of the research on the nonprofit sector. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the nonprofit sector.
This comprehensive textbook provides an in-depth examination of the legal framework governing nonprofit organizations, covering key topics such as tax-exemption, corporate governance, and fundraising.
Provides a concise overview of the nonprofit sector. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the nonprofit sector.
Save
Provides an overview of the economics of nonprofit organizations. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the economic forces that affect nonprofit organizations.
Provides an overview of the political economy of nonprofit organizations. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the political forces that affect nonprofit organizations.
Save
Provides a detailed look at the history, impact, and future of private foundations, exploring their role in shaping various aspects of American society.
Provides an overview of the history of nonprofit organizations in the United States. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the historical forces that have shaped the nonprofit sector.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of leadership and management practices in nonprofit organizations.
Provides an overview of the comparative nonprofit sector across countries. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the different ways that nonprofit organizations are organized and operate around the world.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/14wwdw/introduction
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Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
John M. Bradley
Language
English
Good to know
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
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