Nonprofit Legal Compliance Resources

Resources offered here are not a substitute for legal advice. To find a lawyer versed in nonprofit law in Maine, visit The Yellow Pages.

• Board Member's Legal Responsibilities
• Charitable Solicitation
• Employment Law
• Federal Tax & Accountability Laws
• Lobbying Law
• Maine Nonprofit Corporation Law
• Volunteer Management
• Dissolving a Nonprofit Corporation
• Other Resources

Legal Considerations for Board Members
As the owner of the nonprofit corporation, it is the board members' responsibility to assure the organization's compliance.

• Free Management Library's Advice
• The Nonprofit Risk Management Center 's Advice
• Maine Attorney General's Helpful Guide for Board Members

Charitable Solicitation
States require that all nonprofits register if they solicit charitable contributions in that state.

• Fundraising & Charitable Solicitation - A MANP Whitepaper
• Maine Charitable Solicitation Registration
• Multi-State Filing Resource
• Charitable Solicitations FAQ

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Employment Law
For the most part, nonprofits must follow the same employment law as for-profits. This section will help you stay current.

• Maine Labor Laws
• Free Maine Labor Posters
• New Employer Registration
• Maine Employee Rights Guide

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Volunteer Management
We have a whole section of our website dedicated to Volunteer Management and Recruiting.

• All About Volunteers
• Volunteer Liability Handbook
• Managing Volunteers within the Law

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Federal Tax & Accountability Laws
Besides state laws, nonprofits must follow IRS rules & regulations relative to their status under section 501(c) of the tax code.

• Nonprofit Tax Law Frequently Asked Questions - The IRS calls nonprofits Exempt Organizations (EO). This page offers answers to may questions about forming and running EOs.
• New 990 Requirements
• Nonprofits & Public Disclosure
• Sarbanes-Oxley and the Nonprofit Sector
• BBB Standards for Charity Accountability
• MANP FAQs on Nonprofit Disclosure Requirements

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Lobbying Laws
MANP has produced four documents to help you advocate for your cause legally.

• Raise Your Voice - a comprehensive but large pdf
• Maine Lobbying Laws
• Federal Lobbying Laws
• Internet Lobbying

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Maine Nonprofit Corporation Act
The laws governing nonprofit corporations are generally found in Title 13B of the Maine Statutes. Here are some helpful links:

• The Law as Written
• Summary of LD 1770 - Major changes were made to the Nonprofit Corporation Act in 2001. This is a summary of those changes.
• Attorney General's Office - Responsible for oversight and compliance with the Nonprofit Corporation Act.
• Maine Model Registered Agent Act - Changes were made to the law governing Registered Agents. This paper outlines those changes.

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Dissolving a Nonprofit Corporation
At some point in the lifecycle of many corporations, the painful decision to close the doors must be made.  For nonprofit corporations, the process is quite prescribed.  Use the resources below to be sure you dissolve ethically and legally.

• Dissolving a Nonprofit Corporation - A MANP White Paper
• Facts about Terminating or Merging Your Exempt Organization, IRS Publication 4779
• Maine Dissolution Law
• Is it Time to Dissolve your Nonprofit Organization?

Free Management Library
Legal information specific to Nonprofit Organizations is well organized here including by-laws, articles of incorporation, tax laws, etc.

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