|
By not-for-profit law we mean the entirety of laws and regulations that affect the lives of not-for-profit organizations.
The term "not-for-profit organizations" is used as a broad-based term that encompasses all organizations that are known variously as charities, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private voluntary organizations (PVOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), etc. "Not-for-profit" is used in preference to "nonprofit" in order to emphasize that a defining criterion is the intention of the organization not to make profits for private gain. It is possible that such an organization will in fact make a profit from time to time, but that is not the principal purpose for which it is organized and operated. Nor is its purpose to distribute any portion of any profit for private gain. The major distinguishing characteristic between not-for-profit and for-profit organizations is that the former are governed by the principle of non-distribution.
ECNL works in law and policy reform in the following areas:
Legal Framework for Civil Society
The Freedom of Association
Registration/Incorporation Laws
Internal Governance
Reporting, Accountability, and Transparency
Government Supervision
Termination and Dissolution
Civil Society Sustainability
Tax Exemptions for Public Benefit Organizations
Public Benefit Status
Incentives for Philanthropy
"Percentage Philanthropy"
Fundraising Activities
Economic Activities and Social Enterprises
Public-Private Partnerships
CSO-Government "Compacts" and Cooperation Strategies
CSO-Government Liaison Offices
Social Contracting - Public Service Contracts
Government Funding of CSOs
Corporate Citizenship Programs
Public Participation
Advocacy and Lobbying
Participation of Citizens and NGOs in the Decision-making Processes
Volunteer Law Development and Implementation
Participatory Drafting Process for Laws and Regulations
Self-regulation and Codes of Conduct
|
