ELIGIBLE LEGAL MATTERS INCLUDE:

• 501(c)(3) Incorporation – Incorporation and application for tax exemption status under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3)
• Nonprofit Governance – Preparing and revising bylaws; creating articles of incorporation; creating conflict of interest policies; creating whistleblower policies, and creating other corporate documents and policies; and advising on good corporate governance
• Maintenance and Compliance – Advice on maintaining 501(c)(3) status, including unrelated business income and compliance with lobbying restrictions
• Taxes – Advice regarding federal, state, and local taxes
• Contracts – Drafting and advising on business contracts
• Employment – Preparing, reviewing and revising personnel policies, employment contracts, and confidentiality agreements
• Real Estate – Help with property leases and purchase and sale agreements
• Intellectual Property – Assistance with registering trademarks, and advising on copyright protection, license agreements, or website-related agreements
• Risk and Liability Assessment – Assistance on risk and liability assessment including waiver and release forms, and advice on insurance coverage
• Federal Tax-Exempt Status – Assistance in applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

WE DO NOT HANDLE:

• Litigation matters
• Individual claims against nonprofits
• Legal matters for individuals

FOR EXISTING NONPROFITS
To be eligible for pro bono legal referrals through MCR, existing nonprofits must:

• Be located in the state of Michigan
• Have a primarily charitable or community-based purpose
• Serve low income communities or other needs
• Be unable to pay for legal fees without significant impairment of program resources
• Be seeking legal assistance on a business or organizational matter, but not on any legal issue related to current or expected litigation

FOR START-UP ORGANIZATIONS
To be eligible for pro bono legal services, a start-up organization must demonstrate that it satisfies the above requirements for Existing Nonprofits, and has potential viability. Viability can be demonstrated by providing:

• Mission statement
• Board of directors roster
• 3-year budget
• Business plan
• Clear description of program services or activities that the new organization will engage

If you would like to schedule a time to discuss your nonprofit idea and see if it qualifies for assistance, please email legal@mi-community.org or leave us a voicemail at (313) 962-3171 (x101) with your name, organization name, and a brief description of the to-be-formed organization.

Legal services provided by Michigan Community Resources are pro bono and free of charge. However, organizations will be responsible for all filing fees associated with their legal matter.