Ep 26 - Asking the Tough Questions
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Ponsford, co-founder of Gateway for Good and founder of Main Street Philanthropy. Ryan shares his journey from board member to philanthropy advocate, discussing the importance of asking tough questions and bringing various skills to the table as a board member. He dives into the origins of Main Street Philanthropy, which aims to prevent family disputes over wealth by teaching the next generation the value of giving. Through compelling stories, including his work with competing gang members and wealthy families, Ryan highlights the transformative power of...
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Ep 25 - Program Development in Social Service Nonprofits
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Welcome to The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, hosted by May Harris, Esq.. In today's episode, we are honored to feature Tania Marino, a dedicated leader at Gather, a food pantry serving over 10,000 people in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Tania spearheads Gather's innovative culinary programs, which address the pressing issue of food shortages and the challenge of providing nutritious meals to those who cannot afford them. Gather's impact extends beyond the traditional pantry, with a mobile unit, innovative programs, and market reaching even more people in need. Tania shares her journey in this...
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Ep 24 - Nonprofits, Podcasts, and Partnership
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Welcome to The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, hosted by May Harris, Esq.. In today's episode, we are honored to feature Traci DeForge, the founder of Produce Your Podcast and Co-Founder of The Podcast Professionals Association. Traci shares the mission of Produce Your Podcast, the producer of The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, and discusses the inspiration behind co-founding The Podcast Professionals Association. The conversation delves into the importance of hiring a professional to guide you through the steps of starting a nonprofit correctly, explores the differences between a 501(c)(3) and a...
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Ep 23 - Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and Nonprofits
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Welcome to The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, hosted by May Harris, Esq. In today's episode, we're honored to feature Jules Taggart, the visionary founder and CEO of Wayward Kind. This creative agency specializes in empowering nonprofits through impactful storytelling and strategic branding, assisting their clients on the path to strategic success. They offer various services, including brand development, digital marketing, content creation, and consulting, all geared toward helping clients connect authentically with their audience. Wayward Kind's approach combines creativity with...
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Ep 22 - Building an Individual Giving Program from Scratch
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Welcome to The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, hosted by May Harris, Esq.. In today's episode, we're delighted to visit with the remarkable Kelly McLaughlin. Kelly has consistently made waves in the nonprofit world, from fundraising with bake sales when she was just five years old to becoming a seasoned professional fundraiser. As the visionary behind “From Scratch Fundraising,” Kelly possesses a unique expertise in guiding nonprofits of all sizes toward sustainable success. Her knack for crafting, building, and scaling individual giving systems alleviates burnout and empowers organizations to...
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Ep. 21 - How Nonprofits are Using AI
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
In this episode of the Nonprofit Podcast, May Harris, Esq. visits with Kate Azar from PNC Institutional Management. Kate emphasizes the importance of nonprofits’ investment strategy, particularly when managing endowments. She stresses that seeking professional advice is crucial in this regard. While endowments can benefit nonprofits, Kate highlights that they may not suit every organization. The discussion delves into the advantages and disadvantages of nonprofits integrating AI into their operations. It explores how AI can enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve nonprofit...
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Ep. 20 - Public Policy & Nonprofits
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
May Harris, Esq. is honored to have Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits, join us for the 20th episode of The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast! Geoff shares his insightful predictions for the future of nonprofits in California, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges ahead. He delves into the intricacies of Assembly Bill 590 and the crucial task of removing barriers that hinder the sector's growth and impact. Geoff points out that the collective voice of their extensive email list, comprising 60,000 passionate individuals, can drive legislative change. He provides...
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Ep. 19 - Mission Matters
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Dr. Crystal Trull, the head of CT Consulting, a company that offers expert guidance to nonprofit entities for their long-term viability, meets with May Harris, Esq. to discuss crucial topics relevant to anyone engaged with nonprofits. Crystal delves into the array of resources accessible to nonprofits and explores the intricate dynamics of board membership, emphasizing the crucial interplay between board members and the CEO. Additionally, they delve into the often underutilized roles within nonprofits, addressing duties and responsibilities. This episode is packed with valuable insights...
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Ep. 18 - Social Enterprise
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Calling all changemakers! Are you looking for inspiration to tackle the world's toughest challenges? That’s precisely what Paula Cordeiro, EdD. has exemplified throughout her professional journey. Join Paula and May Harris, Esq., as they delve into the exciting world of social entrepreneurship and global philanthropy. Gain insights on how your nonprofit can collaborate with similar-minded businesses, focusing on instigating social transformation within your local sphere. Discover how everyday people are making a real difference and learn about a Global Seminar scheduled in 2025 designed to...
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Ep. 17 - Making Strategic Plans Work for Nonprofits
Nonprofit Counsel Podcast
Andrea Ortega, the Founder and CEO of Palante Nonprofits, has structured her company to aid nonprofit organizations with strategic planning, offering implementation guidance and customized training programs in English and Spanish. In a conversation with May Harris, Esq., MA, Andrea will explore various topics, including transitioning grassroots nonprofits into scalable entities. Maintaining a strategic plan that is both visionary and realistic is of utmost importance. The efficacy of your nonprofit's strategy can be assessed by the data collected to support it, indicating whether your goals...
info_outlineGenevra Williams, an attorney practicing at Mendrygal Law in Dallas, Texas, specializing solely in representing tax-exempt organizations, joins May Harris to explore the Form 990 and its different iterations. May underscores the distinction that while all tax-exempt organizations are nonprofit, not all nonprofits enjoy tax-exempt status. The conversation will delve into the consequences of nonprofit organizations using an incorrect reporting tool. This episode aims to guide listeners in determining whether they can manage these forms independently or if seeking legal assistance is necessary.
IN THIS EPISODE:
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[1:14] Genevra discusses how she came to practice nonprofit law and why she is an advocate of the Form 990
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[6:53] Genevra explains what she can learn from the Form 990
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[12:26] Genevra and May discuss Schedule 0
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[15:37] Genevra discusses two other policies she loves
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[18:53] The 990N and how to avoid issues in the future and other forms necessary to the IRS
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[25:53] Genevra mentions churches and other religious organizations' filings
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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[5:39] The Form 990 provides substantial information about a client or potential client.
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[8:11] There are dead giveaways on Form 990 that Genevra uses to make recommendations to her clients on whether they should donate to a particular nonprofit.
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[15:18] You should have a conflict of interest policy everyone understands, particularly regarding gift acceptance.
RESOURCES:
For Profit Law Group - Website
ABOUT THE HOST:
May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Genevra Williams
Genevra brings an insider’s perspective to her client’s issues. Prior to entering private practice, she was the sole in-house attorney for a prominent community foundation in Dallas, Texas, where she managed all issues related to legal compliance, board governance, and risk management. While in this role, she trained in-house staff, worked with ultra-high-net-worth donors, and consulted internal stakeholders on development and planned giving topics.
Genevra’s law practice focuses exclusively on the representation of tax-exempt organizations on a wide range of matters, including governance, tax compliance, endowments, executive compensation, complex gifts, fiscal sponsorship structures, intellectual property issues, and employment matters. She has counseled private foundations, public charities, supporting organizations, community foundations, churches, and other religious organizations on a wide range of issues. Genevra has been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list (2022) and The Best Lawyers in America® for Non-profit / Charities Law (2024).