The California Center for Nonprofit Law Blog

California Senate Bill (SB) 1454 went into effect on January 1, 2025. This bill updates the Proprietary Security Services Act, which is a portion of the California Business and Professions Code. SB 1454 has raised issues about how the Bureau…

One of the most challenging aspects of charitable fundraising is navigating legal compliance issues, particularly when fundraising goes across state lines. Online giving and social media platforms have made it increasingly easy to solicit donations across the nation. However, most…

Many charitable organizations also enjoy tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) if they meet the eligibility requirements for nonprofit organizations under Section 501(c)(3). However, charities that have tax-exempt status should take care to safeguard that status by following…

Charitable solicitation registration laws can be an unexpected obstacle to charities seeking to expand their fundraising efforts. Some of these laws also fail to consider new ways of charitable solicitation, such as soliciting donations through websites, text messages, QR codes,…

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently affirmed the summary dismissal of Huntsman v. Corporation of the President of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. In this case involving church autonomy, the court unanimously reached a decision; two…

Many states, including California, have solicitation registration requirements that regulate charities that seek to solicit donations in the state. Charities can include various types of organizations but always include charitable entities that receive federal tax exemption under Internal Revenue Code…

Since taking office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has issued many executive orders (EOs), some of which directly affect charitable organizations. Many are subject to pending lawsuits, which impacts compliance with those orders. Here are five things that charitable…

On September 30, 2023, California Gov. Gavin Newson signed Senate Bill 553, establishing California Labor Code §6401.9. This Labor Code section went into effect on July 1, 2024. Cal/OSHA is developing a workplace violence prevention standard to meet the requirements…

The preference of many charities is to have public charity status under the Internal Revenue Code instead of private foundation status. Private foundations are subject to more complex and strict regulations than public charities. An option for charities that want…

Charities generally prefer to be classified as public charities rather than private foundations. Whereas private foundations are subject to many restrictions, including mandatory payouts, limitations on hiring, and extensive annual filing requirements, the restrictions for public charities are much easier…