What's New at CAPLAW?

 

New: All a-Board! The Purpose, People, and Process of CAA Boards

CAPLAW has released three new videos exploring fiduciary duties, strategies for keeping board members engaged, and how to make the most out of the board's time together.

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New Tool: Combining Forces: A Merger Manual for Community Action Agencies

Now more than ever, CAAs are exploring mergers as a strategy to improve their sustainability and enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. Whether or not your agency is currently contemplating a merger, this tool will help you understand what may be gained by and what should be considered in the pursuit of a strategic merger transaction.

View the Tool
View the Appendices

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New Case Studies: Leadership During Crisis: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

CAPLAW and the National Community Action Partnership have developed two case studies focused on the ability of CAAs to respond to unique challenges and effectively govern themselves during difficult times. These case studies highlight the examples of two CAAs, and how each relied on good governance practices and communication to navigate complex challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pro Action of Steuben and Yates
Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission

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New Section 4 of Tools for Top-Notch CAAs: A Practical Approach to Governance and Financial Excellence

In light of the new FASB accounting standards for nonprofit organizations, CAPLAW has issued a newly updated Section 4 of our popular guide, Tools for Top-Notch CAAs, focusing on financial statements for board members and management of nonprofit CAAs. Also check out the new sample financial statements in the Appendix to Section 4.

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New FAQ: Public Charge: Understanding the New Rule and its Implications for CAA Clients

After a lengthy comment process and the litigation of several preliminary injunctions attempting to block its implementation, the Department of Homeland Security’s new “public charge rule” is currently in effect in all states. CAPLAW has developed this FAQ to inform CAAs and their clients about how a client’s receipt of certain public benefits under the rule may impact their future immigration status.

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Policies in Practice: Complying with the CSBG Organizational Standards

Dive into this governance checkup to review some key policies your CAA is required to have under the CSBG Organizational Standards - a whistleblower policy, procurement policy, conflict of interest policy, and record retention policy.

News for Community Action

 

Coronavirus Updates for the Community Action Network

CAPLAW is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and impacts on the Community Action network. See the latest developments and funding source guidance here. (Last updated March 5, 2021).

New Resource: Building Readiness: Planning, Prevention, Response, and Liability

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Final Uniform Guidance Revisions Issued

On August 13, 2020, the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its final guidance revising sections of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. This is the first major revision of the Uniform Guidance since its publication in 2014, and contains changes that will affect how federal grant recipients administer their federal funds. Read more.

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Free Upcoming Webinars

Nonprofit Mergers and Acquisitions: Is Now the Time for Your Organization?
Presented by: Venable LLP
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2020
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
In addition to the legal and tax issues that accompany a merger or acquisition, the integration of multiple organizations’ governance, programs, membership, and staff also involves internal politics, combined strategies, and the alignment of different organizational cultures. This webinar will examine the nuts and bolts issues that accompany the merger and acquisition process for nonprofits from both a legal and nonlegal perspective, real-life, practical examples of organizations combining and highlight elements of success and failure, and the benefits to consider when deciding whether to combine with another organization.

True Program Costs
Presented by: Propel Nonprofits
Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2020
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
Understanding the true, full cost of delivering programs and services is essential for management decisions, program design, and effective fund development. This webinar provides an introduction to calculating program costs and an overview of tools that will help you understand your true program costs and develop realistic budgets.

Board Engagement
Presented by: Propel Nonprofits
Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2020
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
Having an engaged board who understands the programs and finances ensures strategic decisions are well informed. This workshop will share key reasons why board members disengage and various approaches to keeping them committed and active. Attendees will leave with an increased understanding of what engagement approaches are appropriate for their board and tools to engage their board members more effectively.