LegalCORPS and MN Council of Nonprofits Launch Free Legal Services Program
On July 14, 2025, LegalCORPS, a partner organization of the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition, and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) announced a new initiative to provide all Minnesota nonprofits (and MCN members) with a legal help desk, compliance clinics and support, and one-on-one counsel (for qualifying organizations). There will be no cost for the partnership’s services, which come in response to the growing need for nonprofit legal support. Minnesota’s nonprofit organizations must increasingly navigate complex policy changes at both the state and federal levels.
“From the sudden termination of federal grants to confusion over IRS communications and compliance concerns, nonprofits in Minnesota and across the nation are facing mounting legal pressures, often with limited resources,” said Nonoko Sato, president and CEO of MCN. “In this time of heightened scrutiny and rapid policy shifts, access to trusted legal support is more important than ever. We are grateful to LegalCORPS for partnering with us to ensure these critical services are accessible to all nonprofits in Minnesota and MCN members, regardless of budget or size.”
For many nonprofit organizations, particularly those with smaller human and financial resources, getting legal assistance can be a significant barrier. LegalCORPS and MCN will now offer a variety of free legal services to all Minnesota nonprofits, such as:
Legal help desk
Real-time legal support for nonprofits, with referrals to vetted resources and counsel.Legal resource library
Guidelines on evergreen and emerging legal considerations, to ensure compliance and protection of nonprofits’ legal rights.Responsive compliance support
Step-by-step guidance to complete a nonprofit compliance assessment, with legal standards and best practices.Compliance clinics
Regular clinics, information and programming to help nonprofits assess their current compliance with state and federal registration, annual reporting requirements, and executive orders.
Minnesota nonprofits with cash budgets under $1.5 million are also eligible to access intensive, non-litigation one-on-one legal counsel, including a legal needs assessment and a compliance audit with legal support.
Minnesota’s nonprofit sector is diverse and varied, ranging from large urban museums and arts organizations to small community-based organizations providing health services in greater Minnesota. These organizations play a critical role in supporting the state’s economy while serving millions of residents every day with programs like child care, public safety, environmental protection, health care, food distribution, housing and more.
“LegalCORPS is pleased to partner with MCN in supporting Minnesota's dedicated, hardworking nonprofits,” said Nicole Deters, executive director of LegalCORPS. “Just as nonprofits support communities across the state, they too deserve to be supported with trusted legal advice to navigate these challenging legal times, ensuring the continued delivery of quality, efficient services to all Minnesotans.”
Learn more about the Minnesota Nonprofit Legal Services Initiative.