DEI and Bylaws: Board Composition

As we’ve discussed in a previous post, one way to anchor diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) as a core value of an organization is to include DEI principles and language into an organization’s Bylaws. A common starting place for nonprofit corporations is the composition of the board of directors. Each organization should determine for itself […]

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Nonprofit Bylaws

Nonprofits should be at the forefront of encompassing diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) into their governance and operations. While discussions regarding DEI are increasingly prevalent in the nonprofit sector, the next, more difficult, step forward is to turn the discussions into action. How do we, as part of the nonprofit community dedicated to the benefit […]

Amending Bylaws of a California Nonprofit Corporation

We are often asked to help nonprofit corporations review their bylaws and amend them as necessary or as desired. Bylaws may need to be reviewed and amended for legal compliance or risk management purposes or to match the existing or desired policies/practices of the corporation. The following are steps for amending the bylaws of a […]

Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance – Ask a Nonprofit Lawyer Part II: Governance & Bylaws

  Ask a Nonprofit Lawyer Part II: Governance & Bylaws May 10th, 6-7:30pm RSVP Here Are you a nonprofit board member who wants to better understand what your fiduciary duties are?  Are you confused about what a nonprofit board’s roles and responsibilities should be versus those of management?  Or are you forming a new nonprofit […]

7 Reasons to Review Your Bylaws Now

The bylaws of a nonprofit corporation are the board’s internal rules and instruction manual for how the nonprofit is governed. It may be the nonprofit’s single most important document. Here are 7 reasons why you should review your bylaws for legal and internal compliance: 1. To ensure legal compliance with applicable state and federal laws. […]

Nonprofit Bylaws – Common Issues

This post highlights some common issues with the bylaws of a nonprofit corporation. Basics About Bylaws Bylaws may contain any provision, not in conflict with law or the corporation’s articles of incorporation, for the management of the activities and for the conduct of the affairs of the corporation. Bylaws should provide guidance to the corporation’s […]

Purpose-Driven Board Leadership and Climate Change

Governance and climate change. More attention is being given to the interplay of these seemingly unrelated issues, including at the upcoming 2024 Stanford Social Innovation Review Nonprofit Management Institute – What’s Next for the Social Sector? This year’s conference, taking place on September 17-18, is organized as a hybrid, allowing for in-person and virtual attendees. We […]