Q: When people first call you, what are they looking for?
It may be something straightforward like “Can you help me set up a nonprofit or a company?” Sometimes it is an emerging organization that wants to take the next step with its bylaws and governance practices. On other occasions a board or staff member is concerned about the legal consequences of a contract or a transaction. We look at the law as a tool that helps our clients advance their objectives.

Q: What makes you and your firm unique?
First, all of us have first-hand experience in how nonprofits work. We have served on boards and we’ve been in the trenches as volunteers. We’ve been part of their struggles and helped make positive change. Our real-world experience in the nonprofit sector sets us apart from other firms. Our knowledge isn’t theoretical or from an “arm’s length.” This ground-level experience gives us the ability to understand our clients’ needs from their perspective. In this way, we become trusted advisers, transcending the traditional roles associated with legal and consulting services. Megan considers it a great compliment when clients tell her, “You don’t seem like a lawyer.”

It also helps that all of us are very active in the community. Typically we know something about the field our clients are involved in and can help them build relationships and networks.

Q: How do passion and commitment play into your role?
Most of our clients are very passionate about what they do. Social entrepreneurs and people who get involved in nonprofits do the work they do because they care and have dedicated themselves to a cause. It’s not just a job , it’s a life choice. When you work with people like that, it makes you want to do a better job because they are so deeply committed. You really want to help them succeed. It’s not just about giving advice, it’s about being an integral part of the good work they’ve set out to do.
It’s really wonderful when a client says to us: “You really helped us. You really made a difference.” Or, when we read something about one of our clients in the news and see the impact they are having. We feel good knowing that we had a role in making something good happen.

Q: Can you talk a bit about how you work with others as part of a larger team?
Yes, we work closely with board members, marketing and PR professionals and with accountants, lenders and other advisers who are part of the organization’s team. For new and emerging organizations, we help build the team. A cohesive, collaborative effort really serves the best interests of our clients. And that’s what it’s all about for us. A win for our client is a win for us.

Q: What is a nonprofit?
The term nonprofit broadly refers to an organization or trust that is organized and operated for purposes other than making and distributing profits. A nonprofit must direct funds and proceeds to fulfilling a charitable, public or other exempt purpose. A corporation may raise funds by receiving public and private grant money and donations from individuals and companies.

A nonprofit corporation is a legal entity formed under state law to carry out a charitable, educational, religious, literary or scientific purpose. Certain federal, state and local income, property and sales tax exemptions are available to nonprofit corporations. Our D&W team would be happy to help you with all your nonprofit needs.

Q: What’s the difference between a 501(c)3 and 501(c)4?
Both 501(c)3s and 501(c)4s must be run as nonprofits and thus the earnings may not be used to benefit a private shareholder or individual. Additionally, both 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 organizations are exempt from paying federal income tax. The differences between the two designations, however, are considerable and your organization’s choice of exemption status can greatly impact how you function and the benefits to your donors.

The main differences between a 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 relate to lobbying, political campaign activity and charitable donations. 501(c)3s are limited in the amount of time and/or money that they can put into lobbying and political campaigns. 501(c)4s allow for many forms of lobbying and campaign activity, but they are also ineligible to receive federal money, such as grants. Finally, donations to a 501(c)3 are tax-deductible, whereas donations to a 501(c)4 are generally not deductible.

Q: What is a social entrepreneur?
A social entrepreneur is someone who uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create and manage a venture to make social change. Whereas a business entrepreneur typically measures performance in profit and return, a social entrepreneur focuses on creating social capital. Thus, the main aim of social entrepreneurship is to further social and environmental goals.

While social entrepreneurs are most commonly associated with the voluntary and nonprofit sectors, many social entrepreneurs run socially beneficial for-profit enterprises. In today’s competitive market of ever-increasing consumer choice, social value can help distinguish you from the rest of the competition.

Q: Do you help for-profit businesses?
D&W also offers entrepreneurs and small businesses comprehensive legal, business and consulting services. In addition to helping with your traditional business needs, our team welcomes the opportunity to discuss how social entrepreneurial principles can increase your profitability, as well as your social value.

Q: What is the triple bottom line?
Also known as people, planet, and profit, the triple bottom line capitalizes on an expanded spectrum of values and criteria for measuring organizational, and societal success: economic, ecological and social. Social responsibility is increasingly becoming an important competitive advantage for an organization or business. Consumers are now holding businesses to high levels of social accountability, and the best ones are finding ways to turn this responsibility into opportunity. Sustainable and socially responsible practices, under the triple bottom line, increase efficiency, productivity and marketability. Our team at Weber Law, LLC can help tailor a triple bottom line approach that will invariably benefit your business or organization.