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Mentors can have a profound impact, which is why choosing the right ones is an important decision for youth-serving nonprofits. Because individuals who seek to harm children often present as especially helpful and trustworthy, organizations can’t rely on first impressions alone. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we talk to Debbie Ausburn about how to distinguish great mentors from predatory groomers, including not just screening, but also ongoing policies and training. Strong, consistent practices help to protect minors, support the many well-intentioned mentors, and minimize risk to youth-serving nonprofits.

Many nonprofit leaders are familiar with the idea of a conflict of interest, but recognizing one in the moment is another matter. These situations don't always come with a warning label, and even if the transaction is well-intentioned, a potential conflict that is not adequately reviewed by a board can expose your organization to legal risk, including IRS penalties. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Ben Barkley with Kilpatrick will answer our questions about conflicts of interest, how to recognize them, what to do once one arises, and he'll share real world examples that show how these situations actually play out.

For nonprofits, pictures serve as a powerful storytelling tool. But every photo posted online carries some legal and ethical questions that can be easy to overlook.  In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we sit down with Creighton Frommer to review what nonprofits need to know about photo releases, social media, and privacy — so nonprofits can tell their story while minimizing risk to clients, staff, and the organization.

Classifying a worker as an independent contractor instead of an employee might seem like a simple administrative choice, but getting it wrong can expose a nonprofit to back taxes, penalties, and legal liability. In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Stephens with Cox Automotive to unpack how the IRS and Department of Labor actually evaluate worker classification, the factors nonprofits often overlook, and the steps organizations can take to protect themselves, as well as their board and management who may also face liability. Whether you are bringing on a consultant, a contract therapist, or summer help, this conversation will help you understand the spectrum from employee to contractor, and why that matters for your organization.

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 lawyer involved? Can I just have AI look it over?" Tune into this episode of the PBPA Podcast, where Thomas Federico breaks down each of these questions to help nonprofits build a practical approach to contract review.

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 your organization relies on third-party tools for fundraising, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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 right side of legal and fiduciary responsibilities.

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 discuss how nonprofits can maximize the benefits of collaboration while minimizing the legal risks.

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 liability.

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 Dosik joins us to answer common questions about social enterprise and what nonprofits need to know to stay compliant when adopting new revenue streams.

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 best practices for nonprofits accepting donations of real estate.