We represent nonprofit founders and boards in the formation, governance, and dissolution of nonprofit business entities and related matters. Many of our engagements involve advising social entrepreneurs and mission-driven organizations to determine the business structure best suited to their objectives. In some cases, a traditional nonprofit structure such as a single California public benefit corporation or religious nonprofit corporation is the right fit; in others, an organization’s goals may include both charitable and revenue-generating commercial activities. In this instance, we have experience advising on tandem structures that combine nonprofit and for-profit entities in a manner designed to preserve the organization’s mission while accommodating its broader business objectives.

Beyond formation, we counsel nonprofit boards on governance issues, corporate approvals, contracts, donations, and other legal challenges that arise as an organization grows and evolves. When a nonprofit has reached the end of its lifecycle, we can also assist with an orderly dissolution and wind-down. Our goal is to provide thoughtful counsel that helps nonprofit organizations pursue their missions while complying with federal and state law.