Many churches and ministries engage in a host of international operations ranging from church-planting, mission work, micro-finance projects, evangelism, orphanages and disaster relief. In doing so, organizations commonly engage in collaborative relationships with foreign nonprofit organizations or individuals in overseas countries, sending funds as well as supplies to international organizations or individuals.
In operating on an international level, organizations must be prepared to comply with federal tax law as well as the Patriot Act to ensure the organization’s assets sent overseas are being used for charitable purposes and not in the intentional or inadvertent support of terrorism.
The Church Lawyers work with clients in the development of policies and practices in conformity with federal tax law and best practices for international grant-making as well as evaluating OFAC (US Office of Foreign Assets) compliance for our clients to ensure the organization is wisely and legally operating on an international basis.
Sexual abuse has a devastating impact on its victims, their families, and on the community. Unfortunately, the sexual abuse of minors is a recurring reason why churches face lawsuits each year.
Our attorneys stand ready to help the church guard against such abuse from occurring by establishing protocols for interactions among minors and church employees and volunteers, providing training to employees and volunteers, counseling clients on mandatory reporting in compliance with state laws and helping the church navigate allegations of abuse.
The Church Lawyers believe it is one of the highest priorities for churches to protect the innocent and vulnerable and work alongside churches to ensure they are operating in a way to guard against such abuse.
Our attorneys routinely advise clients on issues related to the ownership of intellectual property such as sermons, writings, music, curriculum and other creative works.
By creating well-drafted employment agreements and works-for-hire agreements, we help churches and their employees maintain clarity of ownership of such works and clearly establish each parties’ rights and responsibilities for the use of the creative works.
Additionally, we help clients safeguard their intellectual property by registering for trademarks on their behalf; as clients seek to strengthen their brand, we work to secure it.
Organizations engaging in fundraising must comply with state and federal regulations that require initial registration prior to initiating fundraising, as well as engaging in ongoing regulatory compliance efforts.
Oftentimes nonprofit organizations, churches and ministries inadvertently run afoul of such regulations; to remain compliant requires a significant amount of knowledge and diligence.
Our attorneys will review your organization’s current fundraising efforts and provide counsel on how your organization can achieve both initial and ongoing compliance with ever-changing fundraising regulations.
Additional Operations Services
- Leadership and Management
- Benevolence Programs
- IRS-Compliant Emergency Funds and Programs
- Counseling
- Security
- Confidentiality
- Clergy-Penitent Privilege
- Child Care, Protection, and Reporting
- Sexual Misconduct
- Sexual Harassment
- Vendor Contracts
- Affiliation Agreements
- Fundraising
- International Activities
- “OFAC” Compliance
- Foreign Transactions
- Intellectual Property Agreements and Matters
- Copyrights
- Trademarks
- Licensing Agreements
- Music and Video Arrangements and Agreements
- Royalty Agreements