Today Traci is joined by two guests, May Harris, CEO of For Purpose Law Group and Errin Mendibles, Founder of Bella Vita Tucson. Throughout this episode you will hear Errin discuss how she created her nonprofit and the questions that she has for May regarding the best ways to operate Bella Vita Tucson. May brings to light the things that those opening or running a nonprofit may not be aware of. She tells the right way to set up the nonprofit so that it is tax exempt and the best ways to raise funding through gifts and grants. Tune in if you are interested in starting a nonprofit yourself, the information in this episode is priceless! 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [6:20] Why did May take the nonprofit path in law?
• [10:48] Errin tells us about herself and about her business, Bella Vita Tucson.
• [15:37] What are some of the hurdles nonprofits owners may encounter when starting out?
• [18:10] May discusses a challenge that many people face, but are not expecting with their nonprofit. 
• [25:00] What are some of the most popular ways that nonprofits can raise funds and are there different opportunities for different sizes of nonprofits?
• [26:50] Where can nonprofits go to find available grants to help with admin costs?
• [30:33] What are some of the things that a nonprofit can do in the strategic planning area?
• [32:14] When should a nonprofit start working with an attorney?
• [33:40] What were some of the first steps Errin took when starting her nonprofit, Bella Vita Tucson?
• [36:00] How should a nonprofit be set up as a business? 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• • [19:00] If the nonprofit has activities that cross state lines in fundraising or even providing services, they’ll have multiple statutory schemes to keep track of.
  • [25:53] The number one most efficient way to fundraise through gifts, grants, and contributions is relationship building. 
  • [37:10] A nonprofit should almost never be set up as an LLC, they’re the wrong entity type or selection if you want to be a 501c3.

Bio: 

Mary L. Harris founded For Purpose Law Group in 2021, and currently serves as the firm’s CEO and Managing Attorney.

Ms. Harris chairs the firm’s transactional practice group, working with an outstanding team of FPLG attorneys and professionals in service to clients of all sizes, including museums, schools, churches, medical organizations and other charitable tax-exempt entities. 

Serving in the role of non-profit founder, board member, corporate counsel and executive director over the course of her career, Ms. Harris has been instrumental in the development of each of the organizations she has led, and she understands the challenges facing nonprofit executivites each day. 

Over more than two decades of legal practice, Ms. Harris has developed widespread recognition of her expertise & knowledge specific to the challenges facing tax exempt organizations and social enterprises. She excels at the advising growth-focused purpose-driven organizations, ensuring they receive practice, real-world advice they can apply immediately with staff, board members, stakeholders and donors to establish, protect and fulfill their mission, vision and values. 

Bella Vita is dedicated to assisting Tucson’s adolescents and their families. We’re committed to providing a secure, nurturing environment for processing the complex emotions that accompany eating disorder recovery. Our unwavering efforts are aimed at making this vision a reality for every family.

LINKS MENTIONED:

For Purpose Law Group Website

Bella Vita Website

Bella Vita Instagram

Ask Brien Podcast