Your mission deserves a strong foundation.
Starting and leading a nonprofit takes vision, commitment, and people willing to do the work. It also takes a sound organizational structure, clear responsibilities, and thoughtful decisions about the legal issues that arise along the way.
RoundTable Legal works with nonprofit founders, boards of directors, executive leaders, and community organizations to build that foundation and support it as the organization grows. From initial planning and 501(c)(3) applications to governance, contracts, fundraising, and ongoing legal consulting, we help turn complex questions into practical next steps.
Based in Springfield, Missouri, we bring a personal understanding of nonprofit leadership, community service, and the realities of operating with limited time and resources.
Nonprofit Startup & Formation
A successful organization begins with more than filing paperwork. Its structure should reflect its mission, activities, funding plans, and leadership.
We help founders evaluate their options and establish the documents and processes needed to get started, including:
Evaluating whether a new nonprofit, fiscal sponsorship, or another structure fits the proposed initiative.
Nonprofit incorporation and organizational planning.
Articles of incorporation and amendments.
Bylaws tailored to the organization’s operations.
Initial board structure, officer responsibilities, and organizational resolutions.
Employer identification number applications.
Conflict-of-interest policies and other foundational governance policies.
Guidance on initial registrations and ongoing organizational responsibilities.
501(c)(3) Applications & Tax-Exempt Status
Forming a nonprofit corporation and obtaining federal tax-exempt recognition are separate steps. We help organizations understand that distinction and develop an appropriate application strategy.
Our services include:
Evaluating eligibility for recognition under Section 501(c)(3).
Assessing eligibility to use Form 1023-EZ.
Preparing and submitting Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ, as appropriate.
Developing descriptions of programs, activities, and organizational purposes.
Reviewing proposed budgets, revenue sources, and compensation arrangements for application purposes.
Addressing IRS requests for additional information.
Advising on public charity and private foundation classification.
Evaluating issues involving lost exemption and potential reinstatement.
We also help organizations identify when a different exemption category or organizational approach may better fit their activities.
Board Governance & Leadership Support
Clear governance helps boards make informed decisions, manage disagreements, and stay focused on the organization’s mission.
RoundTable Legal advises on:
Board and committee structure, authority, and responsibilities.
Director and officer duties.
Bylaw reviews, revisions, and interpretation.
Meetings, notices, voting procedures, minutes, and resolutions.
Conflicts of interest and transactions involving insiders.
Board recruitment, succession, and leadership transitions.
Relationships between the board, executive leadership, staff, and volunteers.
Governance disputes and questions about organizational authority.
Board orientations, training, and facilitated governance discussions.
Nonprofit Consulting & Organizational Planning
Sometimes an organization needs help identifying the right questions before it can decide what to do next.
We provide legal and strategic consulting for organizations evaluating new programs, revisiting their mission, strengthening internal practices, or preparing for growth.
Consulting may include:
Mission and organizational purpose reviews.
Governance and operational assessments.
Strategic planning support informed by legal considerations.
Policy development and implementation.
Program expansion and organizational partnerships.
Executive and board leadership transitions.
Risk identification and practical action plans.
Coordination with accountants, insurance professionals, and other advisors.
Fundraising, Donations & Grant Agreements
Fundraising creates relationships and responsibilities that deserve clear documentation.
We help organizations evaluate and document:
Charitable solicitation registration obligations.
Gift acceptance policies.
Restricted gifts and donor conditions.
Donation, pledge, and sponsorship agreements.
Naming rights and donor recognition arrangements.
Grant agreements and related contractual obligations.
Fiscal sponsorship arrangements.
Fundraising events, promotions, and related contracts.
Partnerships with businesses and other charitable organizations.
Contracts, People & Daily Operations
Nonprofits face many of the same operational questions as businesses, often with the added responsibilities that come with charitable resources and public trust.
We assist with:
Vendor, consultant, and independent contractor agreements.
Employment agreements and workplace policies.
Volunteer agreements and policies.
Facility leases and use agreements.
Program participation agreements, waivers, and releases.
Collaboration agreements and memoranda of understanding.
Confidentiality, privacy, records retention, and document management policies.
AI policies addressing sensitive information, organizational use, and outside participants.
Contract disputes and practical approaches to resolving disagreements.
Brand Protection, Copyright & Creative Programs
Your organization’s name, educational materials, creative work, and public reputation are valuable assets.
Drawing on our intellectual property and entertainment practice, we help nonprofits address:
Trademark clearance, registration, and brand protection.
Ownership and licensing of educational and creative materials.
Photography, video, and publicity permissions.
Website content and third-party materials.
Artist, performer, speaker, and production agreements.
Music, theatrical, and other content licensing.
Intellectual property provisions in grants, collaborations, and commissioned work.
Ongoing Compliance & Organizational Changes
Legal needs continue after an organization receives its determination letter.
We help leadership understand ongoing obligations, review proposed changes, and coordinate with the organization’s other professional advisors. Matters may include governance maintenance, state filings, questions affecting exempt status, related-party transactions, and the legal implications of new activities.
When an organization’s direction changes, we also assist with collaborations, affiliations, restructuring, dissolution, and the appropriate disposition of charitable assets.
Tax return preparation and accounting services are coordinated with the organization’s accountant or tax professional.
Outside General Counsel for Nonprofits
An ongoing relationship with counsel gives leadership a place to bring questions before they become larger problems.
RoundTable Legal offers project-based assistance and ongoing outside general counsel arrangements tailored to the organization’s needs. Depending on the engagement, support may include contract review, board guidance, policy development, leadership consultation, and coordination with other advisors.
The scope of services and fee arrangement are established at the beginning of the engagement.
Organizations We Support
We work with charitable and community organizations, including arts and cultural organizations, educational foundations, religious organizations, community initiatives, membership organizations, and emerging nonprofits.
Some organizations need help getting started. Others need an advisor who can step in at a particular moment or remain involved as they grow.
Practical counsel grounded in community involvement.
Attorney Corey Kilburn brings experience advising organizations alongside firsthand involvement in nonprofit board service and community leadership. That perspective helps connect legal guidance with the decisions boards, staff, and volunteers face in practice.
Our approach is personal, collaborative, and focused on helping your organization pursue its mission with greater clarity.
Let’s discuss your organization’s next step.
Whether you are exploring a new nonprofit, applying for 501(c)(3) recognition, reviewing your bylaws, or looking for ongoing counsel, there is room at the table.
Schedule a Nonprofit Legal Strategy Session
417-834-5280
Connect@RoundTableLegal.com