Legal Compliance for Nonprofits: Gene Takagi on Governance, Conflicts of Interest, and the Future of Philanthropy
Release Date: 11/28/2023
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info_outlineNonprofit legal compliance isn’t just about IRS rules. It’s about trust, transparency, and staying mission aligned in an evolving regulatory landscape. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris sits down with Gene Takagi, principal at NEO Law Group and renowned expert in nonprofit law, to break down the biggest legal challenges nonprofit leaders face today. From conflict of interest policies to lobbying limits and fiscal sponsorship, Gene offers sharp, practical guidance that every executive director, board member, and nonprofit lawyer should know.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ What your board must do (and document) to avoid legal pitfalls
✅ How to handle conflicts of interest the right way
✅ Why fiscal sponsorship can be both a lifeline and a legal risk
✅ Key compliance issues for nonprofits engaging in advocacy
Subscribe to the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast to gain expert legal insights, practical tools, and leadership guidance that helps your mission thrive. Visit nonprofitcounsel.com for more.
https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator
Timestamps
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(00:00) Intro: Gene Takagi on why legal compliance empowers nonprofits
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(01:25) Meet Gene Takagi and NEO Law Group’s mission
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(04:10) Governance must-haves: Minutes, bylaws, and accountability
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(06:20) How to handle conflicts of interest without fear
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(09:15) Lobbying and political activity: What’s allowed under 501(c)(3)?
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(13:00) Fiscal sponsorship: Pros, cons, and compliance musts
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(17:45) Trends in nonprofit mergers and shared services
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(21:30) Why legal hygiene reduces board liability
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(25:10) Practical tips for updating your conflict of interest policy
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(28:20) Final advice: Don’t wait for a crisis to get your house in order
Key Takeaways
💎 Compliance strengthens trust with donors, regulators, and communities
💎 Boards must document deliberations and decisions to avoid liability
💎 Fiscal sponsorship is powerful but requires strong legal safeguards
💎 Conflicts of interest aren't inherently bad, but how you manage them matters
Resource Links
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NEO Law Group https://neolawgroup.com/
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Gene Takagi on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonprofitattorney/
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For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com
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Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/
Guest Bio: Gene Takagi
Gene Takagi is the managing attorney of NEO Law Group, a nationally recognized firm specializing in nonprofit and exempt organization law. A frequent contributor to the Chronicle of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Quarterly, Gene advises foundations, charitable organizations, and social enterprises on governance, compliance, and advocacy. He is widely regarded as one of the most trusted voices in nonprofit legal strategy.
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