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Legal Resources for Nonprofits: Home

Forefront Library

Welcome to the Legal Resources for Nonprofits LibGuide, curated by the Forefront Library. This LibGuide was created in response to the 2025 Executive Actions. 

At the Forefront Library, we are committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) as part of our mission to serve and reflect the diverse communities around us.

However, as DEIA initiatives across the nonprofit sector receive increased attention from federal agencies, it's important to understand the legal landscape. On January 21, the Trump administration issued an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,”  which highlights the need for organizations to carefully evaluate DEIA programs for compliance with federal law.

We recommend bookmarking the National Coucil of Nonprofit's updates on Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits page.

Library of Congress

The Law Library of Congress has published an online research guide to resources on the laws governing nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including creation, registration, taxation, and governance. Researchers can visit Nonprofit Organizations Law: A Beginner's Guide to start their research.

Ebsco - Forefront Members Only Database

Forefront Members have remote access to the EBSCO Suite of databases. Contact the Forefront Library for the login information at Member411@myforefront.org

  • Legal Source (EBSCO):

    This database is a valuable resource for legal professionals, educators, and researchers, offering access to full-text journals, legal reviews, and case citations. It covers a wide range of legal topics, including criminal justice, international law, and labor law.

  • Legal Information Source:

    This database is specifically designed for the public to understand legal matters, providing access to a variety of legal information and resources. It is not as focused on scholarly law journals as Legal Source.

Attorney General Multistate Guidance

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell have spearheaded a coalition of 16 state attorneys general to release official guidance promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives. The guidance is aimed at helping businesses, nonprofits, and organizations understand how to implement DEIA policies in a way that is both legally sound and beneficial to workplace culture.

The document outlines:

  • The legal foundation for DEIA practices under federal and state law.

  • Best practices for employers to incorporate DEIA into hiring, training, and organizational development.

  • A reaffirmation that advancing diversity and inclusion aligns with business success and legal obligations.

Why it matters:
This guidance serves both as a legal assurance and a strategic roadmap for organizations navigating complex social and legal landscapes. It reinforces the message that DEIA is not just a moral imperative but also a lawful and beneficial part of workplace governance.

Can the Executive Branch Revoke my Tax Exempt Status?

Forefront Library

Please note that the Forefront Library is not a law library, and our librarians are not attorneys. We are unable to provide legal advice, determine which forms you need, or interpret specific laws or ordinances. However, we can guide you to helpful resources to support your independent research and understanding of legal topics relevant to your nonprofit.  Forefront’s Policy and Government Affairs team can be contacted at Policy@MyForefront.org, and make sure to sign up for our Social Impact Action Center to receive real-time updates. 

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The content and external links in this LibGuide are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice or imply endorsement by the Forefront Library. The Library is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of external sites. For legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney.