PBPA Podcast

Collaborating with other nonprofits can be a powerful way to stretch limited resources and amplify impact. By pooling expertise, staff time or funding, partnerships can help organizations do more with less. But successful collaboration doesn't happen by accident. It requires clear expectations and defined roles from the start. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, attorney Gail Gunnells joins us to discuss how nonprofits can maximize the benefits of collaboration while minimizing the legal risks.

Providers of alcohol, even as a nonprofit hosting a special event, may need to apply for an alcohol license. Before you pour at your next event, make sure you understand Georgia’s alcohol laws and what they mean for your nonprofit. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Rich Glaze breaks down the alcohol licensing process, caterer contract considerations, and risk management under social host liability.

Nonprofits are often drawn to the idea of being 'self-sustaining.' Alternative revenue streams—like charging fees for services or partnering with for-profits—can sound appealing as ways to diversify income. But public charities must maintain broad donor support, and too much revenue from non-donation sources could even put their tax-exempt status at risk. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Amy Dosik joins us to answer common questions about social enterprise and what nonprofits need to know to stay compliant when adopting new revenue streams.

So a donor has offered to donate land to your organization! Great! Or is it?

While these gifts can be incredibly valuable, they also come with a unique set of legal and financial considerations. To help us unpack the complexities, I'm joined by attorneys Scott Lasseter with Kazmarek Mowrey Cloud and Laseter and William Stone with Kostelanetz, who will guide us through risks, responsibilities, and best practices for nonprofits accepting donations of real estate.

You’ve gone through the process, secured your trademark, and now you’ve got that official ® next to your name—but what comes next? What do you need to do to keep your trademark active and protected? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Vijay Nenmeni with Cox Enterprises will talk about the key deadlines you can’t afford to miss, how to monitor for infringement, and what ongoing steps nonprofits should take to ensure their trademark remains a valuable asset.

For organizations whose missions are rooted in uplifting marginalized communities, the language of DEI isn’t just branding—it’s a reflection of their values and history. But as recent executive orders from the federal government explicitly target DEI language, some nonprofits are wondering: Should we revise our messaging? Could certain language expose us to legal or funding risks? How do we minimize organizational risk while staying aligned with our mission? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, attorney Kristina Griffin with Hall, Gilligan, Roberts and Shanlever will be sharing her insight and expertise to help nonprofits navigate these important questions and more.

The term “furlough” often pops up in the news during times of economic uncertainty—but what does it actually mean, and how does it differ from a layoff? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we explore the key distinctions between furloughs and layoffs to help nonprofit organizations understand these temporary downsizing possibilities. Emily Borna with Jackon Lewis joins us to break down the nuances of each option, including potential legal risks and compliance considerations that employers should keep in mind.

As a nonprofit, understanding how to respond to an unemployment claim is crucial not only to protect your organization's finances but also to ensure you are in compliance with Georgia law. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Wayne Cartwright with Hall, Gilligan, Roberts & Shanlever walks you through the steps to take when you receive an unemployment claim, how to assess the special factors at play for nonprofits, and what to consider if you’re thinking about challenging a claim. Whether you're new to this process or looking to brush up on best practices, this episode is designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to respond to unemployment claims.

With the constant stream of news coming out of Washington, it can feel overwhelming to keep up with all the changes. From major universities to small community-based organizations, nonprofits are also impacted by these new federal government initiatives. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Rachel Spears and Eadaoin Walsh get board members up to speed on how federal initiatives are affecting small nonprofits and provide guidance to help board members engage in deliberate conversations. Strategic board discussions now can empower your organization to navigate these uncertain times, ensuring it remains resilient, adaptable, and impactful—no matter what the future holds.

One of the greatest challenges a nonprofit board of directors can face is managing conflict with and potentially terminating an executive director. While no board wants to find itself in this situation, it's crucial to be prepared. In this episode of the PBPA podcast, Alex Drummond with Seyfarth Shaw and Lori Shapiro with Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta discuss how boards can navigate conflicts with their executive director and what steps to take if termination becomes necessary. We'll cover key tips and legal considerations to ensure fairness to the executive director, maintain oversight of the nonprofit, and prepare the board members themselves.