Non-Profit & Tax Exempt

Leading a non-profit or tax exempt organization to success requires passion, fortitude, and legal know-how. Not only do these organizations often build enduring operations under lean budgets — they do so under careful scrutiny of donors, members, the public, and IRS.

At Sands Anderson, we have a long history of supporting the unique legal needs of non-profit and tax-exempt organizations across the Mid-Atlantic region. We value the commitments these community leaders make in driving their organizations’ successes. As a lifelong ally, we stand ready to deliver the level of legal guidance that protects and preserves their efforts.

Our clientele includes:

• Business and Professional Organizations
• Charitable and Civic Groups
• Foundations
• Government Entities
• Hospitals
• Religious Organizations
• Schools

Non-Profit Legal Support

Whether we’re advising on a specific legal item, leading steps toward successful operations, or assisting in organizational formations, we can serve your complete legal needs. Our experience includes:

Finance: Gain experienced legal advisors on everything from bonds and public- and private tax-exempt financing to the unique federal requirements of non-profit borrowings.

Formation: Receive guidance for obtaining tax-exempt status, including non-profit organizations formed under the wills of benefactors.

Governance: Receive consultation that helps your team understand the significance of your corporate and fiduciary duties. Board members also gain counsel on everything from structure and formation to regulatory requirements, such as the IRS Form 990 and by-laws compliance.

Government Relations: Gain an ally that helps you achieve your advocacy, lobbying, and political goals while complying with regulations We can also you pursue special funding or legislative changes before legislative and administrative bodies.

Management: Receive guidance on an array of employment, financial, and liability issues. These include but aren’t limited to:

• Advertising and Corporate Sponsorship Restrictions
• Charitable Solicitations
• Compensation
• Fundraising and Endowment Needs
• Grant Compliance
• Intellectual Property
• Risk Management

Tax Issues: Receive counsel on the tax consequences of various non-profit activities and the impact unrelated business activities create for tax-exempt organizations. We can also guide you through audits, IRS rulings, and the process of obtaining state and local tax exemptions.

Other Lifecycle Issues: Gain ongoing legal support that helps you manage operation items like mergers, acquisitions, dissolutions, real estate priorities, and succession issues.

Legal Guidance for Religious Institutions

For decades, we have successfully served the unique needs of religious institutions with steadfast support. We bring deep experience in business and nonprofit law — backed by a clear understanding of the constitutional and statutory differences of religious institutions.

We understand the demands religious institutions face across their operations. You must not only grow an enduring congregation, you must do so through the oversight of members, donors, religious leaders, and the community at large. As we support you, our goal is to assess your current needs, anticipate future obstacles and opportunities, and guide you with care every step of the way.

Our services include guiding you through:

• Annual Reporting Requirements
• Congregational Disputes
• Dissolution/Liquidation
• Employment Matters
• Fundraising and Registration Requirements
• Financing
• First Amendment
• Incorporation
• Insurance
• Intellectual Property Matters and Copyright Infringement Suits
• Limits on Liability for Actions of Leaders and Volunteers
• Ongoing Compliance with State and Federal Tax-Exemption Laws
• Operations
• Professional Liability
• Pastoral Malfeasance
• Permits for Other Organizations to Use Property or Facilities
• Purchase and Sale of Real Estate
• Support for Affiliated Hospitals, Schools, Daycares, and Universities
• Tax Matters

No matter the type of non-profit or tax-exempt organization you have, we stand ready to support your complete legal needs with thorough, caring guidance.