Nonprofit Law Insights

This article explains how internal governance documents—bylaws, operating agreements, and certificates—interact with state laws in New York and New Jersey. It highlights how default and mandatory statutes affect corporations, LLCs, and nonprofits, and why clear, up-to-date governance documents are essential for avoiding disputes and ensuring effective management.

Nonprofits must register before soliciting donations in both New York and New Jersey.
This guide from Good Pine P.C. explains how to register with the N.Y. Attorney General’s Charities Bureau and the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs, outlines key filing differences, and offers compliance tips for organizations fundraising in both states.

New York’s N-PCL § 715-A requires every nonprofit to adopt a written Conflict of Interest Policy, with annual disclosures and documented recusals.
New Jersey law does not mandate such a policy but strongly encourages it under best practices.
This guide from Good Pine P.C. explains each state’s expectations and how to build a compliant policy that protects your organization and its board.

Every nonprofit must decide whether it will be membership-governed or board-governed. In membership nonprofits, voting members elect the board and influence key decisions. In board-governed organizations, the board holds all authority. This guide from Good Pine P.C. explains the legal distinctions, pros and cons, and governance considerations under New York and New Jersey law to help you choose the right model.

Many nonprofit organizations confuse the roles of officers and directors, even though the law draws a clear line between them. Directors (or trustees) govern — setting mission, policy, and oversight — while officers manage the organization’s daily operations. This guide from Good Pine P.C. explains the legal distinctions, fiduciary duties, and best practices for defining authority within nonprofit structures in New York and New Jersey.