Ethical standards and principles are the foundation for maintaining public trust in your organization and the nonprofit sector as a whole. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) first published its code of ethical standards for fundraising professionals in 1964, and "believes that ethical behavior fosters the development and growth of fundraising professionals and the fundraising profession, and enhances philanthropy and volunteerism."
Legal Compliance
Overviews of the general procedure for changing bylaws at a nonprofit organization:
How to Amend Nonprofit Bylaws by NOLO.com
How To Amend Bylaws: Everything You Need to Know by UpCounsel.com
How to Revise Your Bylaws by ForSmallNonprofits.com
Committees help facilitate board's work; prepare board members for informed decision making; provide a mechanism to use all available skill and expertise; and offer hands-on opportunities to serve the organization. Committee members do not have the same liabilities as full-fledged board members. Their role is that of an advisor. They are chosen for the position because of their special interests or capabilities. How could others who are not full board members benefit the organization by serving on committees?
This article from the Nonprofit Risk Management Center discusses the damage that "bad actor" board members can cause--ranging from short-term "fixable" issues to lasting harm that proves difficult to repair. In all cases, the solution is preventing bad behavior or poor performance wherever possible, and addressing it in a timely and effective manner when it occurs.
If you are a new employer, or new to dealing with federal employment taxes, the first place to go for information is Publication 15, Employer’s Tax Guide (Circular E). This publication, revised annually, contains basic information employers need to collect information needed to determine and pay their and employees’ employment tax liability, file correct tax returns, and withhold federal taxes. (Internal Revenue Service)
Form used to document that each new employee is authorized to work in the United States. (USCIS)
Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9)State and Federal Workplace Poster Requirements provides publications and information from the North Carolina Department of Labor on the requirement to post employee rights in the workplace under the National Labor Relations Act.
Has your board asked itself: What does it say in the bylaws? Does anyone have a copy of the bylaws? I know I got one when I started on the board but...Here's an idea from Blue Avocado's Board Cafe: a Bylaws Cheat Sheet.
This article addresses high-level legal concerns facing public charities and private foundations as they consider whether and how to compensate their directors. (Robinson Bradshaw)
Compensating Nonprofit Directors – Trend or Taboo?
2020 statement of values and code of ethics for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations from Independent Sector.