PBPA Podcast

Check fraud is one of the fastest-growing financial crimes affecting organizations today, and nonprofits are not immune. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we're talking with attorney Kurt Lentz about check fraud, how it happens, and what to do if your organization becomes a target.

Nonprofits deal with a wide range of contracts, from short-term MOUs to major mission-critical agreements. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we will embark on part two of a two-part series on managing nonprofit contracts. Join us for a conversation with Thomas Frederico on building a streamlined strategy to help minimize your organization's legal risks - before and after signing a contract.

Part I of a Two-Part Series on How Nonprofits Can Set Up A Practical Contract Review & Management Strategy Your nonprofit just received a long contract from a new vendor. You're excited about this new relationship — but before you sign, you find yourself wondering: "Should I review this whole document? Can I just focus on a few key sections? How do I know which sections to focus on? Should I get a...

In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we take a closer look at the recent bankruptcy of Flipcause and what it means for the nonprofit community. I’m joined by attorney Tom Mills and nonprofit executive director Erin Campbell to unpack what happened, how nonprofits were impacted, and the lessons learned. We’ll also discuss practical steps nonprofits can take to better protect from similar risks. If...

Board committees are a powerful but sometimes misunderstood tool of nonprofit governance. For board members of small nonprofits, committees can drive focus, accountability, and strategic impact - when they’re set up correctly. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Jared Brandman with National Vision will break down what board committees do, how to structure them effectively, and how to stay on the...

For many small nonprofits, building and facilities work can be both exciting and risky, often involving tight budgets, volunteer boards, and unfamiliar contracts. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Mackenzie Bell with The Home Depot shares practical risk management strategies nonprofits can use both before a project begins and when problems arise.

2025 was a challenging year for many nonprofit organizations, marked by uncertainty and funding changes driven by shifts in the federal landscape. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we’re revisiting some of our most popular episodes from the past year—because the unique trends and concerns that emerged in 2025 will continue to impact the nonprofit sector well into 2026.

Collaborating with other nonprofits can be a powerful way to stretch limited resources and amplify impact. By pooling expertise, staff time or funding, partnerships can help organizations do more with less. But successful collaboration doesn't happen by accident. It requires clear expectations and defined roles from the start. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, attorney Gail Gunnells joins us to...

Providers of alcohol, even as a nonprofit hosting a special event, may need to apply for an alcohol license. Before you pour at your next event, make sure you understand Georgia’s alcohol laws and what they mean for your nonprofit. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Rich Glaze breaks down the alcohol licensing process, caterer contract considerations, and risk management under social host liabil...

Nonprofits are often drawn to the idea of being 'self-sustaining.' Alternative revenue streams—like charging fees for services or partnering with for-profits—can sound appealing as ways to diversify income. But public charities must maintain broad donor support, and too much revenue from non-donation sources could even put their tax-exempt status at risk. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Amy D...

So a donor has offered to donate land to your organization! Great! Or is it? While these gifts can be incredibly valuable, they also come with a unique set of legal and financial considerations. To help us unpack the complexities, I'm joined by attorneys Scott Lasseter with Kazmarek Mowrey Cloud and Laseter and William Stone with Kostelanetz, who will guide us through risks, responsibilities, and...

You’ve gone through the process, secured your trademark, and now you’ve got that official ® next to your name—but what comes next? What do you need to do to keep your trademark active and protected? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Vijay Nenmeni with Cox Enterprises will talk about the key deadlines you can’t afford to miss, how to monitor for infringement, and what ongoing steps nonprofits sh...

For organizations whose missions are rooted in uplifting marginalized communities, the language of DEI isn’t just branding—it’s a reflection of their values and history. But as recent executive orders from the federal government explicitly target DEI language, some nonprofits are wondering: Should we revise our messaging? Could certain language expose us to legal or funding risks? How do we minimi...

The term “furlough” often pops up in the news during times of economic uncertainty—but what does it actually mean, and how does it differ from a layoff? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we explore the key distinctions between furloughs and layoffs to help nonprofit organizations understand these temporary downsizing possibilities. Emily Borna with Jackon Lewis joins us to break down the nuance...

As a nonprofit, understanding how to respond to an unemployment claim is crucial not only to protect your organization's finances but also to ensure you are in compliance with Georgia law. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Wayne Cartwright with Hall, Gilligan, Roberts & Shanlever walks you through the steps to take when you receive an unemployment claim, how to assess the special factors at pla...

With the constant stream of news coming out of Washington, it can feel overwhelming to keep up with all the changes. From major universities to small community-based organizations, nonprofits are also impacted by these new federal government initiatives. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Rachel Spears and Eadaoin Walsh get board members up to speed on how federal initiatives are affecting small...

One of the greatest challenges a nonprofit board of directors can face is managing conflict with and potentially terminating an executive director. While no board wants to find itself in this situation, it's crucial to be prepared. In this episode of the PBPA podcast, Alex Drummond with Seyfarth Shaw and Lori Shapiro with Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta discuss how boards can navigate conflicts wi...

One of the most important tasks a nonprofit board might encounter is managing the transition to a new executive director. With great succession planning, plenty of lead time and lots of luck, an executive director transition might be completely smooth and uneventful. But more often than not, boards don’t have adequate time to plan or prepare. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, John Fleming with...

Effective Oversight to Foster Collaboration & Prevent Overreach As the linchpin of a nonprofit, the executive director is tasked with translating the organization’s mission into action and managing day-to-day operations. But what role does the board of directors play in ensuring accountability while maintaining a collaborative partnership? And how can board members navigate the fine line between o...

Last year, the Supreme Court in a landmark decision ruled that most American colleges and universities are prohibited from considering race in student admissions. This summer, an appellate court provided another important decision related to race-conscious offerings in the Fearless Fund Case, and this one directly impacts Georgia nonprofits. How might race-based grant-making change going forward?...

Many nonprofits use games, such as raffles or BINGO, as a fun, buzzworthy way to raise funds for the organization. In Georgia, we have some very clear laws that govern fundraising activities, such as raffles, door prizes and BINGO. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Thomas Federico with the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta will chat with us about what these rules are, why they exist, and some imp...

Ready or not, artificial intelligence (“AI”) is here to stay. Let’s make sure your nonprofit is ready! Join us in the latest episode of the PBPA Podcast, where we talk about how nonprofits can effectively use AI while evaluating important privacy, security and ethical considerations. Hear what Jessica McKinney with Smurfit Westrock has to say about nonprofits using AI to further their missions, in...

A slip and fall accident may seem like a minor concern or something that could never happen at your facility. Legal claims associated with slip and falls, generally called “premises liability”, may be more common than you realize and can lead to serious injuries, costly legal battles, and significant disruptions to your organization’s mission. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Kendra Talley and...

Whether your nonprofit is ready to hire its first employee or is looking for a new payroll service, nonprofit leaders should be aware of both general and nonprofit payroll compliance considerations. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Kadale Lubin will talk to us about legal requirements to efficiently manage payroll. This foundational understanding of payroll compliance is a primer for new nonpr...

For nonprofits that use security or other video cameras onsite, have you considered your obligations to safeguard the privacy of individuals captured on camera and ensure the proper management of these recordings? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Sara Guercio with Alston & Bird explores legal requirements and practical tips to help your nonprofit navigate this complex landscape. Tune in to lea...