Nearly 18 million students depend on free or reduced-price school lunches and breakfasts for nine months out of the year. For many of these children, summer vacation exposes them to an increased risk of hunger and developmental decline. The ND Summer Food Service Program, with support from the US Department of Agriculture, gives nonprofits an opportunity to improve a child's physical and social development while providing nutritious meals.
 
The Summer Food Service Program is ideal if your nonprofit sponsors enrichment, recreational or activity programs over the summer. The ND Department of Public Instruction reimburses sponsors for meals served to children, including teenagers through age 18, at approved meal sites in low-income areas. Simplified rules allow sponsors to earn the maximum rates of reimbursement for the meals they serve and use the money as they need for their food programs. The program simplifies claims and maximizes reimbursements to make it easier for faith, community and other private nonprofit organizations to provide good nutrition to children all summer long.
 
For more information and an application, contact Kaye Knudson at 701-328-2275. The application deadline is May 1.

 

Impact Institute is accepting applications for the ND Emerging Leaders Program (NDEL). With support from the Bush Foundation, Impact is offering this training opportunity for nonprofit staff aspiring to be in executive leadership positions. The goal in offering the NDEL program is to identify, educate and equip the next generation of nonprofit leaders.
 
Twenty emerging leaders will be invited to participate in the first class, and the training site will be determined based upon the geographic location of participants. Applications are due April 23. Contact Julie Haugen at 701-356-3133 for more information.

 

Does your nonprofit organization:
  *Have a website to communicate its mission?
  *Distribute educational brochures or pamphlets to the public?
  *Advertise services and fundraising events via the Internet or in print communications?
 
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your organization could be at risk for an intellectual property infringement lawsuit.
 
What is intellectual property?
Intellectual property is a legal term granting exclusive rights to the creator and/or owner of intangible artistic and commercial assets. Most commonly, intellectual property is defined as copyrights, patents and trademarks. Copyrights cover literary, artistic and musical works. Patents protect inventions and improvements to existing inventions. Trademarks are brand names and/or designs which are applied to products or used in connection with services. 
 
What constitutes infringement?
Allegations of copyright infringement can arise when a word or a phrase appearing in your promotional efforts is used without the permission of the copyright owner, thus violating their exclusive rights of use. Similarly, allegations of trademark infringement arise when a certain picture or logo is used without permission, violating the exclusive rights attached to a trademark. Using copyrighted or trademarked materials without permission on a website or an advertisement can leave your nonprofit exposed to costly litigation.
 
Here is an example of a recent trademark infringement case: A nonprofit organization advertised its annual fundraising event in the local newspaper and by distributing flyers throughout the community. A business owner received a flyer and noted a symbol used on the flyer was too similar to his business logo. He immediately sent a letter to the nonprofit demanding the organization to cease using the symbol in its promotional activities. The business owner held exclusive trademark rights to the logo and argued that continued use by the nonprofit would lead to confusion, thus constituting trademark infringement. The matter was ultimately resolved prior to litigation, but defense costs and settlement fees were significant.
 
Even the most unassuming website or the simplest advertisement for a fundraising event can lead to a lawsuit. Just adding what appears to be an innocuous phrase or generic symbol to a website or brochure can unknowingly result in copyright or trademark litigation.
 
Defense fees and costs to resolve what are seemingly simple matters can be expensive. This is due to the complexity of these cases. The average hourly rates for intellectual property attorneys tend to be among the highest in the legal profession. Could your nonprofit organization afford to defend itself against this type of allegation?
 
Nonprofits do not have to face these risks alone. A nonprofit management liability insurance policy from Monitor Liability Managers, LLC, protects the organization from expenses arising from legal claims and litigation. This type of insurance is much more affordable than you think. Premiums start at $650 and minimum deductibles at $500.
 
If you don't have insurance, contact the Bain Agency, NDANO's cost-saving partner for D&O insurance policies, to receive a quote or more information. Contact Steve Bain toll free at 877-234-2233.
 
This article was written by Jennifer Pearson, Monitor Liability Managers, LLC.