Week 12 – April 20, 2020
Non-Profit Corporations, Charities, and Foundations
Syllabus: The Role of the State Attorney General
State Attorneys General have always had some responsibility to review the operations of non-profit charities and foundations. Unlike like for-profit sectors of the economy, which answer to boards of directors and shareholders, Attorneys General often are the only entity with responsibility over non-profit charities and foundations. Particularly as non-profit organizations, such as hospitals, health insurers, and universities, contribute over $900 billion to the economy, the Attorney Generals’ increased use of that authority has taken on national significance.
This week, we will be joined by the Attorney General of Nebraska, Doug Peterson.
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- Brice McKeever, The Nonprofit Sector in Brief (2018).
- Bob Carlson, Missouri, Assistant Attorney General, Chapter 12, Protection and Regulation of Nonprofits and Charitable Assets, State Attorneys General Powers and Responsibilities (2013).
- Texas Attorney General, A Guide to Charitable Trust Case Review (2010).
- Cohen, Rick, Danger Sign: AGs Succumb to Special Interest Lobbying, Nonprofit Quarterly (November 3, 2010). (supplemental reading)
- Various Charities Cases (2003 - 2019).
- Trump Foundation Articles (2016 – 2019).
- Trump Foundation Complaint (June 14, 2018). (supplemental reading)
- "Trump Pays $2 Million to 8 Charities for Misuse of Foundation," New York Times.