LEGAL SERVICES GRANT CRITERIA

What is our legal services grant-making criteria?

You must be a Pennsylvania tax-exempt (501 (c) (3)) organization or an organization intending to register for tax-exempt (501 (c) (3)) status. You should show that your organization is sustainable, you have qualified key staff, and a clear message. Our services are not available to for profit organizations. We do not represent any client in matters relating to litigation or intellectual property law. Since the mission of this program is to support new and on-going organizations, we do not provide assistance for an organization that is dissolving. Each request is reviewed and accepted on a case-by-case basis.

What is the process?

Prior to applying for legal assistance, please make sure you have gathered and completed all of the Required Documents:

ALL ORGANIZATIONS

  • Mission Statement
  • List of Board Members and officers, including titles
  • Budget
  • Asset/Liabilities List

IF YOU ARE REQUESTING ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING FOR TAX EXEMPTION

  • Plan for organization and purpose
  • Mission Statement

IF YOU ARE ALREADY A TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATION

  • Organizational Documents (Such as Articles of Incorporation, if any)
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Bylaws
  • Current Policies & Procedures
  • Last Form 990, 990-EZ or 990-N filed with the IRS

All applicants are also encouraged to submit any other organizational information that might be helpful to us (brochures, annual reports, program description, etc.)

When all of the required documents are available, the Legal Service Grant Application found under our “Grants” tab should be completed and submitted.

Is my information protected by the attorney-client privilege?

Any information that you submit via this web site is not protected by the attorney-client privilege. Submitting this information to Quest for the Best is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.  If we grant your legal services request, you will receive a representation agreement that will then outline our relationship with you. Once you become a client, you are protected by the attorney-client privilege to the extent provided by law.

Are there any costs or fees?

If your grant application is approved, you will not be charged for any attorneys’ fees.  However, if there are any filing costs associated with any of the legal work we complete, or other costs payable to a third party, you will be responsible for those costs. Examples of those costs are fees for filing Articles of Incorporation, advertising and tax-exempt application fees.

What services do we provide?

Below is a sample list of the legal services we provide.  Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  If  your issue is not listed, simply explain it in the grant application and the legal professionals at Quest for the Best will review your request and determine if it is a legal matter that we can assist you with.

IF YOU ARE REQUESTING ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING FOR TAX EXEMPTION

  • We will evaluate your organization’s eligibility for tax exemption
  • We will assist you to understand the pros and cons of forming a tax-exempt organization
  • We will complete a name search with the Pennsylvania Corporations Bureau to ensure that your organization can incorporate using your desired name
  • We will assist you in filing Articles of Incorporation with the Pennsylvania Department of State and assist with advertising the corporation as required by the Commonwealth
  • We will assist you in obtaining a Tax ID number
  • We will draft your bylaws and policies & procedures
  • We will advise you of the necessary charitable registrations, state and federal reports that you may be required to file
  • We will assist you in completing the application for the tax exemption (501(c)(3) designation).

IF YOU ARE A TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATION

  • Review and revise organizational documents
  • Review conflict of interest policy
  • We will advise you of the necessary charitable registrations, state and federal reports that you may be required to file
  • Review contracts with service providers, other nonprofits, or landlords
  • Prepare or update personnel and volunteer manuals and policies to make sure that they are up to date to protect the charity and its employees/volunteers
  • Assist you with understanding any federal regulations and required compliance
  • Review or prepare employment contracts
  • Review your Fundraising and Revenue Generating Activities to ensure that you:
    • Comply with fundraising laws and regulations
    • Properly register to conduct fundraising
    • Appropriately report the donations to the IRS
  • Provide proper acknowledgements to donors
  • Review your policies regarding privacy, confidentiality and liability
  • Provide other legal advice as specifically requested
  • Review officers and directors’ liabilities and any required insurance

What services are not provided?

Quest for the Best does not assist in matters relating to litigation or intellectual law. Also, since the mission of this program is to support new and on-going organizations, we do not provide assistance for an organization that is dissolving. Each request is reviewed individually, and Quest for the Best reserves the right to determine if we will accept a matter after review of all facts provided.

What is an Engagement Letter (representation agreement)?

The Engagement Letter describes the matter(s) for which an Applicant has requested legal assistance, the scope of Quest for the Best’s assistance, and the client’s responsibilities to Quest for the Best, and the Foundation’s responsibilities to the client.  This agreement will be sent to you, and requires the signature of a director/officer who is qualified and authorized, to sign contracts for the Applicant.