Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders

Using the Law to Achieve Your Mission

Elizabeth M. Schmidt

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English

Georgetown University Press
01 August 2025

Non-profitmaking organisations; Company, commercial & competition law

Series: Georgetown Studies in Philanthropy, Nonprofits, and Nongovernmental Organizations

A reframing of the legal profession for nonlawyers aiming to lead nonprofits more effectively

Although the United States has the most robust nonprofit sector in the world, the rules governing it are convoluted and often paralyze those who are trying to change the status quo. Nonprofit leaders deserve rules that are clearly laid out, explaining what they can and should do to achieve their missions—rather than emphasizing only what is forbidden.

Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders offers a translation of the nonprofit legal framework into terms that can be more easily understood by nonlawyers. Schmidt provides a different lens through which nonprofit leaders can see more clearly how these laws can be more responsive to the changing needs of the nonprofit sector and of society.

This book shows nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers how nonprofit law relates to all aspects of nonprofit management.

By: Elizabeth M. Schmidt
Imprint: Georgetown University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
ISBN: 9781647126025
ISBN 10: 1647126029
Series: Georgetown Studies in Philanthropy, Nonprofits, and Nongovernmental Organizations
Pages: 280
Publication Date: 01 August 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Chapter One Introduction Chapter Two Keep the Mission Front and Center Chapter Three Govern Wisely Chapter Four Fill the Coffers Chapter Five Go into Business? Chapter Six Treat Your Stakeholders Well (Just Not Too Well) Chapter Seven Advocate for Your Cause Chapter Eight Complete the Paperwork Chapter Nine Know How to Change Course Chapter Ten A Constructive Way Forward Notes Index About the Author

Elizabeth M. Schmidt is a professor of practice at the School of Public Policy in the University of Massachusetts Amherst who specializes in nonprofits, social enterprises, and policy analysis. She is coauthor of Nonprofit Law: The Life Cycle of a Charitable Organization, 3rd Edition (2021).