Austin, TX Attorneys for Nonprofit Organizations
Guiding mission-driven organizations through formation, compliance, governance, and growth.
Contact UsLegal Support for Austin Nonprofits
Running a nonprofit in Austin means navigating real legal and regulatory hurdles to keep your organization protected and effective. From formation and 501(c)(3) exemption to contracts, employment matters, fundraising compliance, and strategic restructuring, Rodgers Selvera PLLC provides nonprofit legal counsel that’s strategic and grounded in real-world experience.
We work with public charities and private foundations to build solid legal foundations, protect intellectual property, and respond to issues before they become liabilities. If you’re in the beginning stages of launching your nonprofit, managing a complex board, fundraising across state lines, or preparing for growth or merger, we’re here to help you move forward.
Austin Nonprofit Legal Services We Offer
We provide comprehensive legal guidance to nonprofit organizations of all sizes across Austin and Central Texas. Applying for tax-exempt status, managing governance matters, fundraising legally, or updating volunteer policies? Our team helps you stay protected, compliant, and mission-focused.
Nonprofit Formation
- Entity Selection: Choosing between nonprofit corporation, trust, or association
- State Incorporation: Navigating Texas-specific nonprofit formation requirements
- Federal Tax-Exempt Status: Assistance with IRS Form 1023 or streamlined 1023-EZ applications
- EIN Acquisition: Obtaining Employer Identification Numbers for your nonprofit
- Bylaws and Governance Documents: Drafting strong bylaws and articles of incorporation
- State-Level Exemption Coordination: Securing Texas state sales and franchise tax exemptions
Governance and Operational Support
- Board Training: Educating directors and officers on fiduciary duties
- Conflict of Interest Policies: Establishing and enforcing ethical guidelines
- Compliance Audits: Conducting nonprofit legal audits to spot risks early
- Recordkeeping Policies: Drafting document retention and other policies
Fundraising and Grant Compliance
- Grant Agreements: Drafting and negotiating grant contracts and funding agreements
- Donor Compliance: Ensuring compliance with donor intent, restricted funds, and reporting rules
- Gift Acceptance Policies: Creating policies for gifts, endowments, and planned giving
Employment and HR Matters
- Employment Agreements: Drafting staff and executive contracts
- Volunteer Policies: Establishing guidelines for volunteer recruitment and management
- Independent Contractors: Advising on proper worker classifications to avoid IRS penalties
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Dissolutions
- Strategic Planning: Legal guidance on nonprofit mergers, affiliations, or restructuring
- Due Diligence: Conducting legal reviews for mergers, asset transfers, and collaborations
- Dissolution Procedures: Managing compliant wind-downs and dissolutions of nonprofits
Austin Nonprofit Sectors We Serve
Our team proudly serves a broad range of Austin’s nonprofit sectors, including:
- Charitable Organizations: Public charities, private foundations
- Educational Institutions: Schools, universities, and educational nonprofits
- Religious Entities: Churches, ministries, and faith-based groups
- Healthcare Nonprofits: Hospitals, clinics, health advocacy organizations
- Arts and Culture: Museums, theaters, cultural organizations
- Environmental Groups: Conservation and sustainability nonprofits
Why Choose Rodgers Selvera for Your Nonprofit
Nonprofits in Austin face a unique mix of opportunities and obligations. At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, we understand both the letter of the law and the heart behind your mission. We’ve worked with Austin’s schools, charities, arts organizations, healthcare groups, and social enterprises to start strong and adapt as they grow.
If you’re just getting started or a multi-million-dollar organization facing complex governance questions, we can apply our legal strategy to your size, stage, and goals. Knowing that every dollar counts in the nonprofit world, we prioritize practical, efficient solutions that keep your focus on your mission.
When you need a long-term legal partner or help navigating a one-time issue, we bring clarity, confidence, and care.
Get Experienced Legal Support for Your Austin Nonprofit
When it’s time to begin a new nonprofit, apply for 501(c)(3) status, update governance policies, handle a compliance audit, or face a legal challenge, the team at Rodgers Selvera PLLC is here to help. We partner with mission-driven organizations across Austin to provide thoughtful, effective legal counsel that protects your purpose and supports your growth.
Schedule a confidential consultation today and get the legal guidance your nonprofit deserves.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Law
What does a nonprofit attorney do?
A nonprofit attorney helps organizations form legally compliant entities, apply for tax-exempt status, create governance policies, manage employment law issues, protect intellectual property, stay compliant with fundraising regulations, and navigate board governance or audits. They also represent nonprofits in disputes and contract negotiations.
Do I need a lawyer to start a nonprofit?
While you can technically form a nonprofit without a lawyer, legal missteps early on can cost you time, donations, and even your IRS tax-exempt status. A lawyer ensures you’re structured properly, files your IRS Form 1023 accurately, drafts strong bylaws, and sets up governance practices that minimize future risks.
What kind of lawyers work for nonprofits?
Nonprofits often work with attorneys who specialize in nonprofit law, tax law, employment law, intellectual property, and real estate. At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, our attorneys bring a combination of nonprofit-specific legal expertise and broader business law experience, helping organizations handle formation, tax compliance, governance, fundraising, contracts, and intellectual property protection.
What is the difference between a nonprofit and a 501(c)(3)?
A “nonprofit” is a type of entity formed under state law for charitable, religious, or educational purposes. A “501(c)(3)” is a federal tax-exempt status from the IRS that allows your nonprofit to avoid federal income taxes and lets donors deduct their contributions.
How long does it take to get 501(c)(3) status?
Depending on if you file IRS Form 1023-EZ or the full 1023, it usually takes between 3 and 6 months. Processing delays can happen, but using experienced legal help minimizes errors and speeds up approval.
What is the 33% rule for nonprofits?
The “33% rule” refers to the public support test under IRS rules for 501(c)(3) public charities. To maintain public charity status, an organization generally must receive at least one-third of its support from the public (including donations, grants, and other qualifying sources) rather than from a small group of private individuals. We help nonprofits structure their fundraising and reporting to meet and maintain compliance with this important IRS requirement.
Who holds nonprofit organizations accountable?
Nonprofits are accountable to several stakeholders: their board of directors, donors, members, government agencies (such as the IRS and state attorneys general), and the public. Regulatory bodies enforce compliance with tax laws, charitable solicitation laws, and governance standards. Our firm helps nonprofits stay accountable and transparent by providing proactive legal counsel on governance, financial reporting, and compliance best practices.
Can a nonprofit lose its 501(c)(3) status?
Yes. A nonprofit can lose its 501(c)(3) status for reasons such as failing to file required IRS forms (like Form 990), engaging in excessive political activity, improper use of funds, or providing private benefits to insiders. At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, we help nonprofits stay compliant and can assist with reinstatement if tax-exempt status is revoked.
What is unrelated business income (UBI) for nonprofits?
Unrelated business income (UBI) is revenue a nonprofit earns from activities that are not substantially related to its charitable mission. While nonprofits can engage in some business activities, they may have to pay taxes on UBI. Too much unrelated business income can even threaten an organization’s tax-exempt status. We provide counsel on identifying, managing, and reporting UBI properly to protect your nonprofit.
Can a nonprofit make money?
Yes. Nonprofits can earn revenue from donations, grants, services, or product sales. The key is that profits must be reinvested into advancing the organization’s mission, not distributed to individuals.
What common legal issues do nonprofits face?
Common issues include board governance mistakes, employment misclassification, improper fundraising practices, conflicts of interest, intellectual property issues, and unrelated business income risks. Proactive legal advice helps nonprofits avoid costly disputes and penalties.
How much do nonprofit lawyers cost?
Nonprofit legal costs vary depending on services. At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, we offer flat fees for formation and filing services and hourly or retainer options for general counsel. We always provide clear, upfront pricing based on your needs.