Philly Nonprofit Law Blog

Vermont Proposes the new "Low-Profit" Entity

Well, this convinces me I am a legal geek. New, creative, variations on legal entities, especially legal entities that could make doing business easier and less costly, are very interesting to me. Vermont has come up with the newest possibility: The "LC3", a "low-profit limited liability company" that is being created to support businesses with that generate low profits and with a mission largely devoted to social issues. The bill that creates this legal entity is expected to be signed into law by Vermont's governor by the end of this month. Access a copy of the bill here:Vermont LC3.

I will be watching this law and how it develops. I expect to see a lot of commentary upon its becoming law!

IRS Releases Draft Instructions for New Form 990

The IRS has released draft instructions to the new Form 990 for comment. Link directly to the IRS's announcement here: Draft Form 990 Instructions. The comment period is upon until June 1, 2008.

Pennsylvania Nonprofit Congress

Last week, I attended the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Congress in Harrisburg, organized by PANO. It was an excellent event. As a lawyer, I enjoy attending events such as the nonprofit congress because it helps, for me, to bring focus to the business challenges faced by nonprofit directors. The better I understand the business workings of nonprofits, the better I can hone the legal advice I can provide. 

To read more about the Pennsylvania congress, read the nonprofit congress blog here: nonprofitcongress.wordpress.com. The Pennsylvania congress was a precursor to the National Nonprofit Congress to take place in Washington, DC, June 1-4 2008. More information can be obtained at the National Nonprofit Congress Website.

I future posts I will highlight PANO more, but for an introduction to that organization, check the website at PANO  

Dansko Shoes - Supporting the Community

I had an opportunity to attend a presentation last week at Dansko -- the maker of those cool cloggy shoes. Check them out at www.dansko.com. This was thanks to the Chester County Community Foundation. www.chescocf.org.

WOW! Among other great things, this company has a great program to promote philanthropy and community-building among its employees. Dansko gives employees paid time off to work for a time at a charity -- and even matches the employee's salary with a donation to the charity at which the employee worked! I had never heard of a program like this. What a great company to have here in Chester County!

It gets better, Dansko is now completing its very green, low footprint headquarters in West Grove, PA. I was treated to a tour of the new facility. Unbelievable. Actually, I can't remember all of the features (like certain water drainage features), but the facility will include a "living wall", most materials used in the floors, desks, walls, ceilings, you name it are recycled materials.  It was open, light and beautiful! Dansko looks like a great place to work -- even its "old"facility looks pretty great to me: lots of art and a general "culture" of creativity. Dansko's goal is to make its corporate footprint as small as possible...I didn't even know this was possible, but Dansko is doing it!

Introduction -- Who Am I?

My name is Kathleen Aguilar and welcome to my nonprofit law blog! Here, I focus on nonprofit issues in the greater Philadelphia area (including Chester County, PA). Because I am a lawyer, most of my posts will relate to the law. But, I will also post on interesting events, inspiring nonprofit organizations, and inspiring people.

I hope his blog can help point you to information that can help your nonprofit organization!

Who Am I? I am a lawyer practicing in Chester County, Pennsylvania with a love for nonprofits and the arts. I run The Virtual Arts Law Center and provide low-cost legal assistance to artists, non-profits, and creative small businesses. You can learn more about me at www.virtualartslaw.com.