San Antonio Attorneys for Nonprofit Organizations
Legal guidance for charitable organizations, religious groups, and mission-driven nonprofits across San Antonio.
Contact UsLegal Support for San Antonio Nonprofit Organizations
San Antonio nonprofits do the work that keeps communities strong. From education and the arts to faith-based outreach and public health, every mission needs a solid foundation. At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, we help nonprofits across the region get set up the right way, stay compliant, and navigate the legal challenges that come with growth, governance, and fundraising.
Whether you’re forming a new organization, applying for 501(c)(3) status, hiring staff, or managing board operations, we provide the legal tools and guidance to keep you focused on your mission. Our team understands the unique rules Texas nonprofits face when it comes to property tax exemptions, reporting requirements and donor compliance, and we’re here to make sure nothing stands in your way.
San Antonio Nonprofit Law Practice Areas
- Nonprofit Formation: Advising on entity type (corporation, trust, or association), drafting governing documents, and handling state filings.
- Tax-Exempt Status: Preparing and filing IRS Forms 1023 or 1024 for 501(c) designations and guiding exemption strategy.
- State and Federal Compliance: Annual Form 990 filings, franchise and sales tax exemptions, and reporting compliance.
- Board Governance: Training on fiduciary responsibilities, structuring decision-making processes, and preventing board deadlock.
- Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policies: Developing IRS-compliant policies, disclosure protocols, and best practices for board conduct.
- Employment and Volunteer Law: Employee and contractor agreements, volunteer risk management, and compliance with labor laws.
- Fundraising and Solicitation Compliance: Advising on Texas charitable solicitation laws, donor intent policies, and raffle compliance.
- Contracts and Agreements: Drafting MOUs, service contracts, vendor agreements, and facility leases tailored to nonprofit operations.
- Grant and Restricted Fund Oversight: Structuring and reviewing grant agreements and managing earmarked funds in compliance with law.
- Intellectual Property and Brand Protection: Registering trademarks, copyrights, and enforcing content ownership rights.
- Legal Risk Reviews and Operational Audits: Conducting governance, employment, and compliance audits to identify liabilities early.
- Dissolution, Mergers, and Restructuring: Guiding nonprofits through strategic realignments or compliant wind-downs.
- Fiduciary Oversight and Financial Controls: Advising boards on financial accountability, fiscal oversight, and IRS scrutiny prevention.
- Dispute Resolution and Mediation: Helping nonprofits resolve internal disputes or regulatory issues without litigation.
- Fiscal Sponsorship and Affiliation Structures: Creating compliant fiscal sponsorship arrangements for early-stage projects.
San Antonio Nonprofit Sectors We Serve
San Antonio’s nonprofit community is as diverse as the city itself. We proudly supports organizations across a wide range of missions, including:
- Community and Charitable Organizations: Local charities, food banks, mutual aid groups, and social service nonprofits
- Faith-Based Institutions: Churches, religious ministries, and spiritual outreach programs
- Education and Youth Programs: Charter schools, after-school initiatives, scholarship foundations, and tutoring centers
- Health and Wellness Nonprofits: Clinics, behavioral health nonprofits, public health coalitions, and medical foundations
- Arts, Culture and Heritage: Museums, performance groups, cultural preservation nonprofits, and artist-led organizations
- Neighborhood and Environmental Initiatives: Community development groups, conservation nonprofits, and sustainability advocates
Why Should Your San Antonio Nonprofit Work With Rodgers Selvera?
Turning your vision into a lasting charitable impact takes clear, strategic legal guidance. At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, we help San Antonio changemakers form, manage, and grow nonprofit organizations that stand on solid legal ground so they can make a real impact in the community.
We’re legal counsel, but we’re educators, advocates, and trusted advisors with a special affinity for the nonprofit spirit. Our experience serving as panelists, guest speakers, and adjunct professors bring insight into how law and mission intersect. So if you’re launching a new foundation or leading an established nonprofit, we’re here in San Antonio to help you with the foundation on which to carry out your mission.
Reliable Legal Support for San Antonio Nonprofits
Are you on the brink of forming a new nonprofit, applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, updating governance documents, or dealing with a compliance or employment issue? Rodgers Selvera PLLC is here to help. We work with nonprofit organizations across San Antonio to provide practical, effective, and affordable legal guidance that positions them to achieve their mission with maximum impact.
FAQ
San Antonio NonProfit Organization Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a nonprofit organization in San Antonio, and what paperwork is required in Texas?
Starting a nonprofit in San Antonio begins with forming a Texas nonprofit corporation through the Secretary of State, creating bylaws, appointing a board, and securing an EIN. From there, you’ll apply for federal tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)) and may need to register for Texas sales and franchise tax exemptions and charitable solicitation compliance. Our team can help you handle each step efficiently and correctly.
Do I need legal help to apply for 501(c)(3) status, or can I file the application myself?
You can file IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ yourself, but our legal assistance helps ensure accuracy and minimizes delays. We help San Antonio nonprofits choose the right application path, avoid red flags, and present their mission clearly for approval.
Do San Antonio nonprofits qualify for property tax exemptions in Texas?
Yes, but qualifying requires meeting specific use, ownership, and application requirements under Texas law. Talk to us and we can help you evaluate eligibility and apply for local exemptions to reduce operational costs.
What legal risks should my nonprofit be aware of when fundraising or hosting events?
Texas nonprofits must follow specific rules when it comes to charitable raffles, auctions, and public events. You may need permits, registration, or written policies. Contact us for a consultation to know what you need to do in order to stay compliant with both state and local regulations and protect your organization from liability or donor disputes.
Are nonprofit raffles legal in Texas, and what are the rules?
Yes, if you meet the requirements of the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act. Only certain tax-exempt organizations qualify, and the rules limit raffle frequency, prize types, and how proceeds can be used. We can guide you through compliance and documentation.
Can a nonprofit in Texas pay its staff or board members without losing tax-exempt status?
Yes, but compensation must be reasonable, well-documented, and not result in private insurance. We review employment agreements and board compensation policies to ensure your nonprofit remains in good standing with the IRS.
What should I do if there’s conflict within my nonprofit’s board of directors?
Board disputes can stall your mission and put your tax-exempt status at risk. We help San Antonio nonprofits resolve internal conflicts through policy reviews, governance coaching, and mediation before they escalate into legal problems.
When should I reach out to a nonprofit attorney?
Any time you’re forming a new organization, applying for exemption, signing contracts, addressing board issues, hosting fundraisers, or facing a compliance concern, you should contact our team at Rodgers Selvera for guidance that can help you avoid costly mistakes.