Legal Services
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    DIRECT LEGAL SERVICES FOR NONPROFITS

    Michigan Community Resources provides legal services to ensure the success of nonprofit organizations.

    Each year, MCR staff and volunteer attorneys provide legal services to more than 100 nonprofit organizations. Working together, these attorneys provide a wide range of business and transactional legal services to nonprofit organizations.

    Please review the eligibility criteria and legal matters below to confirm if this service is right for you. After reviewing, use the RFA form link to submit a request.

    ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

    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

    COST OF LEGAL SERVICES

    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.

    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.

    TYPES OF LEGAL MATTERS ADDRESSED

    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

    PROCESS FOR REQUESTING LEGAL ASSISTANCE 

    STEP ONE: Initial Consultation
    Reach out to our Legal Team see if your legal concern qualifies for assistance. Contact us at legal@mi-community.org or leave a voicemail at (313) 962-3171 with your name, organization name, and a brief description of the organization.

    Please note: Because of limited staff capacity, we are not able to accommodate walk-ins. Please call or email us for answers to your questions or to set up an appointment.

    STEP TWO: Complete the Request for Legal Assistance Form
    After MCR has confirmed the eligibility of your legal matter, you will be asked to complete a Request for Legal Assistance Form. This form can be found below.

    If you are unable to utilize the online form, you can download and/or print the RFA form here.

     

    STEP THREE: Submit Completed RFA Form
    Please submit your complete RFA forms digitally via the link above.

    PDF forms can be submitted via email to legal@mi-community.org with “Request for Legal Assistance” in the subject line. Printed completed form can also be submitted by mail to:

    Michigan Community Resources
    Attn: Maureen Krasner
    440 Burroughs St. #316
    Detroit, MI 48202

    Please include any required documents with your submission by mail or email.

    WE ALSO OFFER:

    Office Hours

    Please Note: Office Hours on Hiatus

    You can schedule a one-hour Office Hours appointment for Nonprofit Start-up Legal Assistance or for support with completing the Request for Legal Assistance (RFA) Form.