Archive for the ‘Non-Profits’ Category

Can We Loan Sheet Music?

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

By Brian Taylor Goldstein, Esq. Dear Law and Disorder: May we loan music that we own for orchestral performances by other non-profit organizations (schools, community orchestras, etc? Would the other group still need to obtain performing/recording permissions? Could we be liable if they don’t? It depends how define “own.” If by “own”, you mean that […]

Read the rest of this article »

Can I Get A Tax Deduction For My Professional Services??

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

By Robyn Guilliams Dear Law & Order: Performing Arts Division – Many nonprofit arts organizations have board members or other affiliated parties who offer their services free of charge or at a reduced rate to support the organization.  Is it possible for the nonprofit organization to give a tax letter for the value of the […]

Read the rest of this article »

They Can’t Do That To Me!

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

By Brian Taylor Goldstein I just got a notice that a venue where I booked one of my artists is closing. I have a written engagement contract that was signed by the venue over a year ago. The notice I received says that they have run out of money and are cancelling their season. Can […]

Read the rest of this article »

Non-Profit and Tax-exempt: What’s In a Name?

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

By Robyn Guilliams What is the difference between a “non-profit” organization and a “tax-exempt” organization?  I hear these terms used interchangeably – do they mean the same thing? Great question!  These terms do not mean the same thing.  All tax-exempt organizations are non-profits; however, not all non-profits are tax exempt. When an organization wishes to […]

Read the rest of this article »

Is A Choral Group Required To Have Workman’s Compensation?

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

By Brian Taylor Goldstein Dear Law & Disorder: We have a non-profit choral group. Our of local public television stations has sent us a contract to record and broadcast one of our concerts this December and they have an item that requires us to have workman’s comp on our entire group. We currently only have 3 […]

Read the rest of this article »

Am I Obligated To Accept Unsolicited Emails from Managers?

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

By Brian Taylor Goldstein Dear FTM Arts Law: I am the executive director of a well-established regional symphony orchestra. As with most orchestras, I frequently receive emails from managers and agents asking me to consider their artists. After a number of emails from the same manager all within the same week, I wrote and told […]

Read the rest of this article »

Do We Need ASCAP/BMI Licenses?

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

By Brian Taylor Goldstein Hello Law and Disorder, We have met numerous times at conferences, (I love going to your sessions!) and you have been very helpful with questions about our presenting contracts. We also rent our facility and I now have a question about that side.  We recently received a letter from BMI stating […]

Read the rest of this article »

Can I Fire My Board Members?

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

By Brian Taylor Goldstein Dear Law and Disorder: Many years ago I founded a successful non-profit dance company. Over the years, we have continued to grow by adding board members, increasing donations, and critically acclaimed performances. However, my current board has become too invasive. In the past, I have always given them reports about the […]

Read the rest of this article »