NONPROFIT LEGAL SUPPORT PROJECT
of the Nonprofit Resilience Hub
Since the new Administration took office in January, nonprofits in Illinois and beyond are facing heightened federal scrutiny for their programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as threats to their federal funding and other government pressures.
The Nonprofit Legal Support Project was formed under the Nonprofit Resilience Hub, to expand access to legal, financial, and consulting services to nonprofits navigating emerging legal and compliance risks due to federal executive orders and administrative actions.
Are you a nonprofit leader whose federal funding or tax-exempt status is at risk due to executive orders or other administrative actions?
This may include:
Risks related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and policies;
Nonprofit and tax compliance;
Allegations of discrimination;
or changes to federal grant-making requirements.
Through this project we offer legal assistance to Illinois nonprofits that:
(a) have 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, and
(b) have operating budgets under $10 million.
If yes, here’s how to apply:
Review the eligibility criteria
Fill out our Legal Request Inquiry Form
If you are not eligible, we may be able to connect you to other resources. Please contact us at probonoworks@clccrul.org
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Please review the different options below to submit your request based on your organization’s needs.
1. Please use this application if you would like to schedule a consultation with a lawyer. Once you submit the application, a staff member will contact you to schedule a consultation. Following the initial consultation, we will recommend next steps, which could include follow-up on recommendations, as well as more extensive services.
2. If your organization primarily works on climate-related issues and receives federal funding from the EPA, USDA, or NOAA, you can opt to complete the intake form requesting services from Lawyers for Good Government at: https://www.lawyersforgoodgovernment.org/fund-protection-legal-guidance-request
3. Please use this form if you need assistance with transactional legal services, such as nonprofit startup, dissolution or merger; fiscal sponsorship; contract drafting or review; lease or real estate purchase agreements, employment matters; or intellectual property.
The Nonprofit Legal Support Project (NLSP) is a partnership between Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, Forefront, Chicago Bar Foundation, Lawyers for Good Government, Lawyers for the Creative Arts, and other key partners.
This project is made possible thanks to a major grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust who has provided significant additional support for this project, and several other area foundations are supporting a broader suite of financial and management resources for nonprofits through Forefront.
MORE NONPROFIT LEGAL RESOURCES
In partnership with Forefront and the Chicago Bar Foundation, the project includes a dedicated and curated web page on the Forefront website where nonprofits can go for the latest information and resources on the changing legal environment, as well as connections to pro bono legal advice and assistance.
