Courses for Animal Nonprofit Professionals
Upcoming Course:
Animal Nonprofit Board Member Course
Thank you for your interest in taking this course! This course is currently full. Please sign up below to be notified of the next time we offer this course – likely Spring 2025 – and you will receive priority registration for that course.
Starting October 1st
Every other Tuesday, 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm EST / 11:00 am – 12:15 pm PST
10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 11/26
This course is intended for:
+ Individuals new to nonprofit board service
+ Experienced nonprofit board members looking to better understand a director’s duties or a board’s role
It may also be of interest to:
+ Individuals (e.g., executive directors, founder) looking to understand the role and function of the board and directors in a nonprofit
+ Individuals interested in serving on a nonprofit board
EXAMPLES OF COURSE TOPICS
+ The role, responsibility, and authority of the board
+ Directors’ individual duties to the organization
+ The board in action - requirements and best practices for holding and documenting meetings and votes
+ Board oversight of financial, legal, and operational matters
+ Protecting the board and organization in the present and preparing for the future.
Each session will be approx. 55 mins of lecture followed by 20 mins Q&A.
Registrants who attend all sessions will receive a course certificate. If you need to miss a session, you may watch the video recording and complete a short quiz in lieu of attending live. The lecture portion of sessions will be recorded and available for one week following the presentation date.
The material presented in these sessions is generalized guidance and should not be construed as individual legal advice.
Hear from past course participants:
ADP's courses were a great opportunity for me to consider different ways for me to communicate challenging legal concepts with my business colleagues. I appreciated the expertise and knowledge that was shared as well as the practical ideas on how to strengthen my organization's processes and procedures.
- General Counsel for Animal Advocacy Organization
Fundraising to fuel our mission is a big job, often requiring the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. The virtual Nonprofit Development and Fundraising Course offered by ADP provided valuable legal guidance on a wealth of topics, from charitable registration to receiving bequests, which was helpful in ensuring our alignment with current best practices and regulations - protecting our organization and the animals we serve.
- Valerie Taylor; Executive Director, Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
ADP organized an informative session on navigating and addressing common communication challenges in the nonprofit sector. I left the session feeling more confident about handling the legal aspects of my work. It was invigorating to see animal welfare advocates coming together to share their wisdom to improve other animal organizations.
- Victoria (Tori) Cichelero; Policy and Communications Coordinator, Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation
ADP's courses have given our organization a tremendous amount of knowledge and insight on legalities we were not aware of. We are extremely grateful to be able to take these courses at no charge as hiring legal advice can sometimes be cost prohibitive for many nonprofits.
- Victor Flores; Executive Director, La Planta
Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance (WITA) relies on Animal Defense Partnership's counsel daily for all legal considerations arising from our wildlife conservation efforts. In particular, their recent "Social Media and the Law" course was beneficial to our staff, Board members, and volunteers to ensure we make the most of our social media footprint while avoiding legal complications and providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for our stakeholders and followers. Thank you ADP for your proactive and accessible instruction!
- Steph Durno Karns; Executive Director & Co-Founder, Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance
The courses offered through ADP are led by professionals of the highest caliber and level of experience with impeccable communication skills and generosity of character. Through these invaluable classes, I feel more equipped to handle aspects of my organization that previously daunted me. From managing finances, charitable donations, and intricate legalities to advertising, staffing, communications and more, the ADP professionals selflessly, efficiently, and effectively strive to make the world a better place for animals—and all who aim to defend them.
Completing both the Nonprofit Communications and the Nonprofit Development courses gave me a solid foundation to effectively engage with donors and avoid legal snafus! Hands down Helena, James, Jillian, and the ADP team are an invaluable resource to keep us compliant while we advocate for animals. We are so fortunate to have ADP in our corner!
- Sumita Jonak; Founder, Spotless Mind Sanctuary
ADP's courses are incredibly valuable! They save me significant time and money that I would otherwise spend researching laws and consulting with legal advisors. Learning directly from experts is fantastic - the team is very knowledgeable and I appreciate that they always provide detailed, well-researched answers to questions. I highly recommend these courses to anyone involved in nonprofit administration.
- Aneeha Patwardhan; Founder & Principal Consultant, Aneeha Patwardhan Consulting
ADP's development and fundraising course was valuable and well-structured. The sessions started on time, on schedule, and provided the necessary information for maintaining compliance when soliciting donations or organizing fundraisers. Office hours between sessions allowed for our specific questions to be addressed. An essential takeaway for us was the importance of communicating to potential donors that contributions for designated campaigns can be redirected to support other programs or services if necessary, and we were able to discuss legal requirements and best practices when partnering with restaurants and other for-profits. ADP's support enables Casa Vegana to safeguard its operations, so we can continue our mission of saving animals!
- Amanda Collazo; Executive Director, Casa Vegana de la Comunidad
- Laura Fischer, Honey's Pack of Hope
PREVIOUS COURSES:
Animal Nonprofit Development & Fundraising
Avoid and navigate common legal pitfalls when working in nonprofit development and fundraising.
5-Week Virtual Course - FREE but space is limited
COURSE DATES
- Teaching Sessions: Tuesdays from 5/7-6/4, 2-3pm EST / 11am-12pm PST
- Group Office Hours: Thursdays from 5/9-6/6, 2-3pm EST / 11am-12pm PST
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course provides development and fundraising staff of nonprofit animal protection organizations an understanding of the legal regulations around frequently occurring money-raising activities, including soliciting and receiving individual donations as well as non-cash gifts. It outlines relevant estate planning options that participants may offer as support opportunities for their organizations. This course also outlines legal regulations and best practices around giving and receiving grants.
Although we encourage you to attend all weeks, we invite you to register for the series and attend only select sessions.
Week 1: Fundraising Legal Compliance
This session includes guidance on fundraising state registration requirements, legal restrictions around raffles, required licenses when serving and/or selling food and/or alcohol, local regulations around special event permits, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act at public events. Participants will also gain an understanding of what constitutes unrelated business income that will not be exempt from tax.
Week 2: Receiving Large & Small Individual Donations
This session includes guidance on receiving individual donations, including requirements and best practices around documenting and acknowledging gifts, honoring restricted gifts, and donor confidentiality and privacy. This session will also address the use of fundraising and crowd-funding platforms.
Week 3: Understanding Non-Cash Support & Planned Giving Opportunities
This session outlines the various means of financial support a nonprofit may seek, including gifts in the form of securities, real estate, tangible property, and services. The session also briefly outlines planned giving opportunities, including deferred gifts of cash or other assets, gifts that pay an income, and gifts that protect a donor’s assets. Finally, this session also includes legal concerns around bequests contingent on the receipt of animals.
Week 4: Grant Compliance and Grant Making
This session discusses legal regulations and best practices around receiving private grants as well as internal compliance measures for each regulation. This session also addresses legal concerns in acting as the grantor.
Week 5: Partnering with For-Profit Entities
This session outlines guidance around both time-limited and ongoing relationships with for-profit companies, including corporate matching programs and cause marketing partnerships. The session will include the legal implications of the terminology used in setting up and maintaining cause marketing partnerships, as well as relevant state laws to avoid legal and tax pitfalls.
Animal Nonprofit Communications
Avoid and navigate common legal pitfalls when working in nonprofit communications.
4-Week Virtual Course - FREE but space is limited
COURSE DATES
- Teaching Sessions: Tuesdays from 4/9-4/30, 2-3pm EST / 11am-12pm PST
- Group Office Hours: Thursdays from 4/11-5/2, 2-3pm EST / 11am-12pm PST
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is essential for communications staff at all levels within nonprofit animal protection organizations. It identifies and addresses common intellectual property infringements, as well as any steps needed to protect your own intellectual property. The course also outlines the risk of defamation in criticizing companies or individuals, and other legal considerations in written and media communications. In an ever-changing social media landscape, this course also outlines all relevant legal considerations when using social media on behalf of an animal protection organization.
Although we encourage you to attend all weeks, we invite you to register for the series and attend only select sessions.
Week 1: Avoiding Common Intellectual Property Missteps
This session addresses common copyright and trademark issues that may arise on your website, in social media posts, and in your programs and program materials. Understand what constitutes “fair use,” issues involved in the use of copyrighted video and/or photos taken by volunteers or third parties, photo/video releases, and concerns with using anonymous videos depicting animal cruelty. The session also includes a brief discussion of copyright concerns pertaining to publishing recipes. General information on protecting your own intellectual property will also be included.
Week 2: Understand Defamation Risks and Damages
Animal protection organizations frequently criticize practices of other specific corporations and/or individuals. Understand what constitutes defamation when you are talking to the press, sending mailings, and publishing digital or print materials.
Week 3: Social Media and The Law
This session outlines the common legal pitfalls in using social media as an animal protection nonprofit, including the right to privacy, intellectual property, advertising law, lobbying restrictions, fair use, proper attribution, the posting of discriminatory content, endorsements, and internal social media policies.
Week 4: Legal Considerations in Email and Other Communications
This session addresses legal restrictions around building and managing mailing lists as well as privacy considerations for all data collected. It also covers other legal restrictions relevant to the work of animal nonprofit communications staff, including state laws regulating the taking of photos and/or video at events, compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, and other concerns.
Nonprofit 101
For Animal Advocates Contemplating or in the Early Stages of Starting an Animal Nonprofit
5-Week Virtual Course – FREE but space is limited
COURSE DATES:
- Teaching Sessions: Tuesdays from 4/4-5/2, 2-3pm EST / 11am-12pm PST
- Group Office Hours: Thursdays from 4/6-5/4, 2-3pm EST / 11am-12pm PST
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is for animal and/or plant-based diet change advocates who are in the early stages of forming and growing a nonprofit organization, whether you have already filed Articles of Incorporation or you are in the process of bringing an idea to fruition. Over five weeks, we will discuss the special characteristics and requirements of nonprofit organizations that distinguish them from other business forms, as well as how to build a healthy nonprofit board and protect your nonprofit team members. The course will provide an overview of the legal requirements around fundraising for a nonprofit. One week of the course will specifically focus on legal considerations when starting a nonprofit that will be transporting, housing, and/or adopting out animals. Finally, the course will introduce additional capacity building resources of which you should be aware as you strive to make the most of limited resources in developing your organization.
Week 1: What is a nonprofit, and how is it different from other businesses?
This session discusses what legal qualities make an entity a “nonprofit,” an overview of the kinds of nonprofits, the potential for certain nonprofits to apply for tax-exempt status, and legal restrictions around lobbying for 501(c)(3)s. This session will discuss the initial state and federal governing documents and fees needed to get your nonprofit up and running, as well as what to note on your calendar for next year’s filings. Finally, this session also explains the concept of fiscal sponsorship and when that arrangement may be recommended.
Week 2: Who makes up your nonprofit team, and how do you protect them?
This session covers state requirements for nonprofit boards, what to look for in prospective board members, and how to protect your board members with adequate insurance. This session also briefly discusses conflict of interest policies if the nonprofit plans to pay a board member for their work, or purchase goods or services for the nonprofit through a board member’s personal connection.
Week 3: What you need to know about fundraising before you can ask for your first donations.
This session covers the basics of what you need to do before you can start raising money, whether donations can be tax-deductible if your nonprofit hasn’t yet received its tax exempt status, and restrictions around certain kinds of fundraising (eg., games of chance, unrelated business income).
Week 4: Special considerations for nonprofits rescuing, transporting, housing, and/or adopting out live animals.
This session addresses the legal precariousness of adoption contracts including return provisions, potential unlawful discrimination in adoption and/or foster care placements, and liability around placing dangerous or potentially dangerous animals.
Week 5: Capacity Building Resources/Custom Q&A Topics
This session will provide an overview of other capacity building resources available in the animal protection movement as you develop all aspects of your new nonprofit. This final week will also address topics requested by attendees that have not been previously covered.
For Current and Prospective Animal Nonprofit Board Members
Led by savvy business lawyers with a combined 170 years of experience, with expertise in the animal nonprofit sector.
6-Week Virtual Course – FREE but space is limited
COURSE DATES:
- Teaching Sessions: Tuesdays from 2/7-3/14, 2-3pm EST / 11am-12pm PST
- Group Office Hours: Thursdays from 2/9-3/16, 2-3pm EST / 11am-12pm PST
COURSE OVERVIEW: Geared toward current and prospective nonprofit board members, this course addresses common concerns that 501(c)(3) organizations encounter in each stage of an organization’s existence, from formation through successful operations. These concerns include special considerations for organizations that handle and/or house animals. This course is geared toward both prospective and experienced board members. This is an opportunity to both learn from savvy nonprofit lawyers, and also to network with individuals and organizations in similar positions as you. Additional detail below.
Week 1: Creating and Maintaining Required Corporate Records
This session details the records that organizations must legally maintain as required by the state and/or federal government, including core documents, documents updated annually, and records updated regularly. The session also outlines board member duties implicit in maintaining those records, including securing business licenses required based on the operations of the animal organization. Finally, this session will touch on zoning and other laws that may be relevant to organizations that handle and/or house animals.
Week 2: Implementing and Amending Board Policies
This session outlines board policies congruent with best governance practices, including policies pertaining to conflicts of interest, harassment and discrimination, document retention, whistleblowers, granting contractual authority to employees, and other policies specific to animal protection organizations. The session will also touch on insurance policies, including directors and officers insurance, general liability insurance, and vehicle insurance.
Week 3: Avoiding and Mitigating Common Employment Concerns
This session addresses the proper legal categorization of workers (exempt/non-exempt; employee/independent contractor), making use of volunteers and interns, worker’s compensation insurance guidelines, hiring and termination best practices, and how to legally manage employees who also volunteer for the nonprofit.
Week 4: Understanding Board Members’ Fiduciary Duties
This session outlines the legal fiduciary requirements of board members, as well as intellectual property and data privacy considerations to protect the organization’s assets. The discussion will touch on legal considerations raised by street activism, undercover investigations, pressure campaigns and using video and other documentation of animal cruelty. This session also addresses tax considerations for board members to address with their tax advisors in regard to employee expenses, restrictions on lobbying, and unrelated business income tax.
Week 5: Legal Concerns Specific to Organizations with Animal Adoption and/or Foster Care Programs
This session addresses the legal precariousness of adoption contracts including return provisions, potential unlawful discrimination in adoption and/or foster care placements, and liability around placing dangerous or potentially dangerous animals.
Week 6: Final Session to Address Requested Topics by Course Participants