Legal Structures

The legal structure you choose for your social sector organization is a tool for accomplishing your goals. Depending on your aims, each form of organization has advantages and disadvantages. The materials here will help you to explore this important topic.

Get the big picture.  A guide to the thorny question of what legal structure best fits your organization's goals.
 

Consider the options.  An overview discussing possible choices and state-specific law related to forms of organization.
 

Get started.  An organizational startup kit, legal audit questions to review, an FAQ, and (coming soon) a glossary of related terms.
 

Compare notes.  Exchange views with your peers in our discussion areas or ask the experts to respond to your questions.
 

Go further.  Explore related resources on this and other sites.
 
 

Featured Articles and Posts

The Profitable Side of Nonprofits, Part I: Earned Income. Your nonprofit has a problem: it's profitable. What's a tax-exempt org to do?
 

The Profitable Side of Nonprofits, Part II: Legal Structures. What started as a trickle is now a serious revenue stream. What form should your org take?
 

For Love or Lucre. Should you create a nonprofit, a for-profit, or something in between? Here's a guide to the principal issues.
 

Related Legal Topics

Intellectual Property. Practically everyone in the world today uses intellectual property or objects that embody IP — intangible assets that can't be perceived with the senses, yet comprise real value for those who own or use them. The materials here are intended to help your organization use IP rights to achieve its goals.