Technology

Small nonprofits raising money often accept credit, debit and pre-paid card (also known as payment card) payments online and in person. Nonprofits take these payments at silent auctions and other events, and almost all have DONATE NOW buttons on their websites. The way in which nonprofits accept and process these transactions can expose the nonprofits to potential liability. While trying to limit this exposure, nonprofits can’t forget about the charitable solicitation laws that apply to them.

During this one-hour webcast, our speakers will:

• Provide a general overview of the risks and liabilities of accepting credit, debit and pre-paid card payments;
• Describe the compliance requirements for accepting such payments;
• Discuss the differences between accepting payments directly versus using an online payment processor;
• Describe how a nonprofit can limit its exposure; and
• Provide an overview of the charitable solicitation issues in accepting online donations

Presenters: Sean Christy, Sutherland

Robyn Miller, Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta

Please be advised that we experienced technical difficulties with video and sound during this webcast.

It seems like every time you turn around, another charity is conducting a raffle, sweepstakes, contest, casino night or door prize give-away. The questions that most charities don’t ask are: Are such activities illegal under GA law? Are there ways to conduct such activities so that they are legal? How can I raise needed funds through giveaways and games of chance or skill in Georgia? During this one-hour webcast, our speaker:

• Provides an overview of the general promotions laws of Georgia;
• Talks about illegal lotteries and gambling and how to structure promotions in Georgia that fall under general promotions exceptions, as well as the “raffle” exception for §501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations;
• Provides practical advice, such as how to avoid an illegal lottery by “changing the elements of the game;” and
  Discusses additional considerations, such as official rules, abbreviated rules, advertising your charity’s promotion and fulfilling the prizing.

Presenter: Thomas Federico, Turner Broadcasting

Please note: The webcast video does not sync with the webcast audio due to a technological problem.

Whether your website is simple or complex, your organization could benefit by reviewing the legal issues that may arise from your website. Learn about each of them in this guide.

Have your organization invented a product or process? Are your name or original materials protected? Find out about patents, trademarks and copyright from the experts.

Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, on the laws of the District of Columbia. As a result, the information may not be appropriate for organizations operating outside the District of Columbia.

Does your Organization receive donations through an internet website? Here’s when, where and how you might have to register to solicit donations in different states.

Odds are that many of your employees regularly visit online social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. It’s also likely that more than a few maintain their own blogs. You may even have employees that maintain sites on behalf of your organization. Should an employer care about what employees are doing online? Absolutely! During this webcast, our speakers help nonprofits understand the following risks related to social networking activities:

• Discrimination and harassment
• Copyright infringement
• Protection of your organization’s proprietary and confidential information
• Other legal risks for employers
• How to use social media safely and successfully

Our speakers then provide best practices for creating and enforcing policies to minimize these risks.

Presenters:
Lael Bellamy, Chief Counsel & Chief Privacy Officer, ING Americas
Justin Connell, Associate, Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson LLP

Virtually every nonprofit has a website, yet many do not consider the legal ramifications of having them. This webinar focuses on just a few:

• Policies presented on a website including, but not limited to, terms and conditions and privacy
• Who owns the rights to the website and other considerations regarding the web host
• Intellectual property issues related to domain names, content, pictures, and links to other websites.

Presenter: Bill Helmstetter, Alston & Bird