Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Classifying a worker as an independent contractor instead of an employee might seem like a simple administrative choice, but getting it wrong can expose a nonprofit to back taxes, penalties, and legal liability. In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Stephens of Cox Automotive to unpack how the IRS and Department of Labor actually evaluate …
Check fraud is one of the fastest-growing financial crimes affecting organizations today, and nonprofits are not immune. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we’re talking with attorney Kurt Lentz about check fraud, how it happens, and what to do if your organization becomes a target. Episode Transcript
Part II of a Two-Part Series on How Nonprofits Can Set Up A Practical Contract Review & Management System Nonprofits deal with a wide range of contracts, from short-term MOUs to major mission-critical agreements. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we will embark on part two of a two-part series on managing nonprofit contracts. Join us …
Part I of a Two-Part Series on How Nonprofits Can Set Up A Practical Contract Review & Management Strategy Your nonprofit just received a long contract from a new vendor. You’re excited about this new relationship — but before you sign, you find yourself wondering: “Should I review this whole document? Can I just focus on a …
In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we take a closer look at the recent bankruptcy of Flipcause and what it means for the nonprofit community. Join our conversation with attorney John Mills and nonprofit executive director Erin Campbell to unpack what happened, how nonprofits were impacted, and the lessons learned. We’ll also discuss practical …
Board committees are a powerful but sometimes misunderstood tool of nonprofit governance. For board members of small nonprofits, committees can drive focus, accountability, and strategic impact – when they’re set up correctly. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Jared Brandman with National Vision will break down what board committees do, how to structure them …
For many small nonprofits, building and facilities work can be both exciting and risky, often involving tight budgets, volunteer boards, and unfamiliar contracts. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Mackenzie Bell with The Home Depot shares practical risk management strategies nonprofits can use both before a project begins and when problems arise. Episode Transcript
2025 was a challenging year for many nonprofit organizations, marked by uncertainty and funding changes driven by shifts in the federal landscape. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we’re revisiting some of our most popular episodes from the past year—because the unique trends and concerns that emerged in 2025 will continue to impact the …
Collaborating with other nonprofits can be a powerful way to stretch limited resources and amplify impact. By pooling expertise, staff time or funding, partnerships can help organizations do more with less. But successful collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It requires clear expectations and defined roles from the start. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, …
Providers of alcohol, even as a nonprofit hosting a special event, may need to apply for an alcohol license. Before you pour at your next event, make sure you understand Georgia’s alcohol laws and what they mean for your nonprofit. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Rich Glaze breaks down the alcohol licensing process, caterer …
Nonprofits are often drawn to the idea of being ‘self-sustaining.’ Alternative revenue streams—like charging fees for services or partnering with for-profits—can sound appealing as ways to diversify income. But public charities must maintain broad donor support, and too much revenue from non-donation sources could even put their tax-exempt status at risk. In this episode of …
So a donor has offered to donate land to your organization! Great! Or is it? While these gifts can be incredibly valuable, they also come with a unique set of legal and financial considerations. To help us unpack the complexities, attorneys Scott Laseter with Kazmarek Mowrey Cloud and Laseter and William Stone with Kostelanetz will …
You’ve gone through the process, secured your trademark, and now you’ve got that official ® next to your name—but what comes next? What do you need to do to keep your trademark active and protected? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Vijay Nenmeni with Cox Enterprises will talk about the key deadlines you can’t …
For organizations whose missions are rooted in uplifting marginalized communities, the language of DEI isn’t just branding. It’s a reflection of their values and history. But as recent executive orders from the federal government explicitly target DEI language, some nonprofits are wondering, should we revise our messaging? Could certain language expose us to legal or …
The term “furlough” often pops up in the news during times of economic uncertainty—but what does it actually mean, and how does it differ from a layoff? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we explore the key distinctions between furloughs, layoffs and reductions in force to help nonprofit organizations understand some of the options …
Responding to Unemployment Claims As a nonprofit, understanding how to respond to an unemployment claim is crucial not only to protect your organization’s finances but also to ensure you are in compliance with Georgia law. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Wayne Cartwright with Hall, Gilligan, Roberts & Shanlever walks you through the steps to …
A 3-part PBPA Podcast Series Nonprofit board members and the executive director may sometimes have a tricky relationship, but they are always looking to further their nonprofit’s mission. In this PBPA Podcast series, we explore best practices for nonprofit board management of their executive director (“ED”), at every stage of the relationship. Whether you are …
With the constant stream of news coming out of Washington, it can feel overwhelming to keep up with all the changes. From major universities to small community-based organizations, nonprofits are being impacted by these new federal government initiatives. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Rachel Spears and Eadaoin Walsh bring board members up to speed …
Part III – Conflict and Termination One of the greatest challenges a nonprofit board of directors can face is managing conflict with and potentially terminating an executive director. While no board wants to find itself in this situation, it’s crucial to be prepared. In this episode of the PBPA podcast, Alex Drummond with Seyfarth Shaw …
One of the most important tasks a nonprofit board might encounter is managing the transition to a new executive director. With great succession planning, plenty of lead time and lots of luck, an executive director transition might be completely smooth and uneventful. But more often than not, boards don’t have adequate time to plan or …
Effective Oversight to Foster Collaboration & Prevent Overreach As the linchpin of a nonprofit, the executive director is tasked with translating the organization’s mission into action and managing day-to-day operations. But what role does the board of directors play in ensuring accountability while maintaining a collaborative partnership? And how can board members navigate the fine …
Last year, the Supreme Court in a landmark decision ruled that most American colleges and universities are prohibited from considering race in student admissions. This summer, an appellate court provided another important decision related to race-conscious offerings in the Fearless Fund case, and this one directly impacts Georgia nonprofits. How might race-based grant-making change going …
Many nonprofits use games, such as raffles or BINGO, as a fun, buzzworthy way to raise funds for the organization. In Georgia, we have some very clear laws that govern fundraising activities, such as raffles, door prizes and BINGO. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Thomas Federico with the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta …
Ready or not, artificial intelligence (“AI”) is here to stay. Let’s make sure your nonprofit is ready! Join us in the latest episode of the PBPA Podcast, where we talk about how nonprofits can effectively use AI while evaluating important privacy, security and ethical considerations. Hear what Jessica McKinney with Smurfit Westrock has to say …