Book Offers Plain-English Explanations of Laws and Policies That Apply to Nonprofit Groups

NEW BOOKS

Association Law Handbook: A Practical Guide for Associations, Societies, and Charities, Fourth Edition
by Jerald A. Jacobs

This book, by Jerald A. Jacobs, a lawyer in Washington who advises charities, attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the laws, regulations, and court decisions in the United States that govern nonprofit groups, foundations, and other associations.

Mr. Jacobs said he wrote the guide in plain English to make it easier for executive directors, trustees, advisers, and other charity leaders to understand. As each topic is introduced, Mr. Jacobs describes how it might affect a nonprofit organization — for example, how copyright laws may influence what content is provided in newsletters, manuals, or journals.

The book is divided into four sections. The first, with 26 chapters, covers nonprofit governance and management. It includes discussions about drafting bylaws, incorporation procedures, the personal liability of officers and directors, and employment discrimination.

The second section provides information on nonprofit activities and political efforts, and the third portion discusses antitrust law. The final part of the book focuses on nonprofit taxation.

Chapters offer summaries of relevant court decisions, overviews of specific “dos” and “don’ts,” points to consider regarding compliance with the law, and additional resources. A CD-ROM, included with the book, has sample forms and other documents that charities often use.

Publisher: ASAE & the Center for Association Leadership, 1575 I Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005; (202) 371-0940; fax (202) 371-8315; http://www.asaecenter.org; 596 pages; $178; ISBN 0-88034-274-9.