Nonprofit Corporate Governance

At Glotfelty PLLC, we understand that nonprofits and social enterprises are mission driven and passionate organizations that make a meaningful impact in their communities. Nonprofit organizations face unique legal and operational challenges that differ from the for-profit world. With additional laws, regulations, and restrictions, nonprofits benefit from carefully tailored, proactive, and practical legal advice. We help our clients build strong nonprofit governance, compliance, and operational systems needed to remain resilient, mission-focused, and well positioned for long-term success.

We can provide your nonprofit comprehensive support across in several key areas.

Nonprofit Entity Formation & Structure

Establishing a strong legal and governance foundation is one of the most important steps in launching a successful nonprofit or social enterprise. The right structure not only supports your mission but also ensures long-term sustainability, compliance, and operational flexibility. At Glotfelty PLLC, we will help you navigate through the process of formation – advising on entity type, governance document creation, and regulatory compliance.

Our services include:

Determining the optimal structure for your organization – whether it be a standalone nonprofit or a complex structure with affiliated entities, for-profit subsidiaries, or holding companies.
Relationships between nonprofit and for-profit affiliates.
Drafting articles of incorporation and bylaws.
Securing federal tax-exemptions (e.g. 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), etc.).

Updates to Nonprofit Organizational Structure

As nonprofits evolve, their organizational structures often need to evolve too. Growth in programs, changes in leadership, or the need for diversified affiliated entities can impact governance, compliance, and efficiency. Glotfelty PLLC can help your nonprofit and social enterprise reassess and refine its existing structures to align with current operational needs and long-term goals.

Our services include:

Evaluating and structuring governance models to improve oversight, transparency, and efficiency.
Amending articles of incorporation, bylaws, or operating agreements to reflect updated missions, Board compliance, or operational realities.
Advising on compliance implications of structural changes, mergers, or the creation of supporting organizations, subsidiaries, or affiliates, including whether the new structure complies with state and federal nonprofit laws.

Nonprofit Board Governance

Effective Board governance is the foundation of a healthy, compliant, and mission driven nonprofit. A well-functioning Board provides strategic direction, ensures accountability, and safeguards the organization’s reputation and resources. Whether your nonprofit is forming its first Board or seeking to strengthen its existing one, Glotfelty PLLC can help your organization establish governance practices that align with legal requirements, best practices, and organizational values.

Our services include:

Establishing and onboarding Board of Directors to ensure proper composition and oversight.
Drafting Board policies, Board meeting procedures, and recordkeeping practices.
Training Board Members and staff on fiduciary duties, legal compliance, and governance best practices.
Executive compensation and private inurement analysis to prevent violations.
Conflict resolution and governance disputes.
Succession planning and leadership transitions to ensure organizational stability and continuity.

Policies & Compliance

Strong governance and compliance frameworks are essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of a nonprofit. As organizations grow, the complexity of their regulatory and legal obligations often expands – from federal and state contracting requirements to private grant conditions and donor-imposed restrictions. Glotfelty PLLC can help your nonprofit build, strengthen, and maintain compliance systems that not only meet legal standards but also reflect your organizational values.

Our services include:

Drafting key policies governing conflicts of interest, ethics, gift acceptance, and whistleblowing and establishing effective implementation plans and internal controls for these policies.
Establishing a whistleblower hotline that permits your nonprofit to address employee concerns and other potential issues early, before escalation to litigation or government scrutiny.
Reviewing contracts and agreements to ensure compliance with applicable laws, funding conditions, and donor intent while protecting your organization for operational and reputational risks.
Preparing organizations for periodic governance audits or compliance reviews.
Conducting internal investigations and support services governed under attorney-client privilege, work product, and confidentiality rules.
Identifying potential compliance gaps before they become issues and developing practical strategies to proactivity eliminate or reduce risk.
Advising on participation in state or federal government grants or contracting programs (e.g., the AbilityOne Program, state use programs, etc.).

Contact Us

Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more on how Glotfelty PLLC can help your nonprofit strengthen its governance, protect its mission, and achieve long-term success.