Nonprofits: Fundraising & Development
Commercial Co-Ventures for CA Nonprofits: Revisited
19 Oct 2021 |
Social Enterprise & Business Law
Where Mission Meets Market: Legal Counsel for Social Enterprises & Nonprofit Ventures
At For Purpose Law Group (FPLG), we understand that the future of impact lives at the intersection of nonprofit and business. That’s why our Social Enterprise & Business Law practice is built specifically for founders, funders, and nonprofit leaders who are reimagining how purpose and profit can work together.
Whether you're launching a purpose-driven company or expanding your nonprofit's mission through earned income or a wholly owned subsidiary, FPLG offers legal expertise tailored to your vision. We support social enterprises from startup to scale—and help nonprofits develop smart, compliant revenue-generating ventures designed for long-term sustainability.
Unlike traditional business law firms, FPLG is rooted in the nonprofit sector. Our attorneys regularly counsel both 501(c)(3) organizations and social impact businesses, giving us a unique vantage point when advising founders who operate in the “in-between” space. We know how to structure social enterprises to preserve mission, manage risk, attract impact investment, and stay compliant with both state and federal regulators.
Structuring for Impact
Choosing the right legal entity is a critical first step in building a sustainable, impact-focused venture. At FPLG, we guide founders and nonprofit leaders through entity structuring with an approach rooted in both mission alignment and regulatory compliance. For entrepreneurs who want to prioritize purpose alongside profit, we assist in forming Benefit Corporations—business structures designed to embed social and environmental values into corporate governance and prepare for responsible liquidity events. We also advise on the creation of Social Purpose Corporations in California, offering greater flexibility for ventures committed to broader community or environmental goals.
For nonprofit organizations launching earned revenue strategies, our attorneys help structure wholly owned subsidiaries or joint ventures, carefully crafted to protect the parent organization’s tax-exempt status. We also support clients in developing nonprofit-backed business ventures, including fiscal sponsorship spin-offs and hybrid models that blend nonprofit missions with entrepreneurial energy. Every structure we recommend is carefully tailored to ensure both compliance and long-term success in the social impact space.
Commercial Co-Ventures & Cause Related Marketing
Cause marketing and commercial co-ventures offer exciting opportunities for nonprofits and businesses to align missions, drive fundraising, and engage new audiences. However, these partnerships come with complex legal requirements. At For Purpose Law Group (FPLG), we provide expert legal counsel for structuring compliant and effective commercial co-venture agreements and cause-related marketing campaigns.
Our nonprofit attorneys help organizations navigate state charitable solicitation laws, registration requirements, and mandatory contract terms for commercial co-ventures. We ensure that both nonprofits and their corporate partners maintain compliance with advertising and disclosure regulations, protect tax-exempt status, and avoid unintended risks. Whether you are a business launching a charitable sales promotion or a nonprofit organization seeking to leverage brand partnerships, we craft clear, compliant agreements that build credibility, trust, and long-term impact.
