Easements

Easements on a piece of property significantly influence how land can be used. Attorney Andrew Marchev and Third-Year Law Student Clinician Veronica Gassert of Three Rivers Law present the different types of easements and common conditions found in each.

Documentos Rectores Esenciales para una Organización Sin Fines de Lucro

Hay tres documentos principales que rigen las operaciones de una organización sin fines de lucro:

(1) artículos de incorporación,

(2) estatutos, y

(3) política de conflicto de intereses.

Esta guía legal presenta cada uno de estos documentos e identifica los elementos clave que debe tener en cuenta al preparar documentos rectores para su organización.

Key Governing Documents for a Nonprofit Organization

There are three primary documents that govern the operations of a nonprofit organization:

(1) articles of incorporation,

(2) bylaws, and

(3) conflict of interest policy. 

This legal guide introduces each of these documents and identifies key elements that you should consider as you are preparing governing documents for your organization. 

Elements of a Farmland Lease

When a farmer works with a landowner to put together a farmland lease, there are many important considerations. This webinar will inform farmers and nonprofit farm organizations about the key elements that should be in a farmland lease.

Presenter: Jeff Polubinski, Gravel & Shea.

Options for Forming a Social Enterprise

As a farmer or food entrepreneur, you may want to create a successful business while also working for social good. In a social enterprise, these goals go hand-in-hand. In this webinar, we’ll discuss the details of a social enterprise. And, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of common business structures that can be the foundation for your social enterprise (sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, co-ops, and non-profits).

Presenters: Colin Antaya, Esq. and Kohei Ishihara Founder of Movement Ground Farm

Incorporating a Non-Profit in New England

Explore whether a non-profit structure is the right fit for your organization.  Learn how to incorporate as a non-profit corporation.

This legal guide:

  • discusses the pros and cons of non-profit organizations
  • details how to become a nonprofit organization
  • explains how to apply for federal 501(c)(3) charitable organization status
  • discusses fiscal sponsorship as an alternative to 501(c)(3) status

Interns, Apprentices and Volunteers-Rhode Island

Many people are curious about what happens at a farm and would be happy to volunteer a few hours of labor in return for the experience of farming.  Others would be willing to work as an unpaid intern in order to gain valuable knowledge and farm skills.  The prospect of free labor is appealing.  But is it legal? Do you understand the distinction between registered apprentices, paid and unpaid interns and volunteers?  This Legal Brief summarizes the legal requirements for these workers under Rhode Island law. 

Governing Nonprofit Organizations

Although being involved with a nonprofit organization can be fulfilling, both personally and professionally, the law and best practices regarding its governance can be confusing. This webinar, presented by the Harvard Transactional Law Clinics, provides a brief introduction to nonprofit and charitable organizations, and addresses the duties and responsibilities for running such an organization including the role of the Board, management, and ongoing Massachusetts and U.S. filing responsibilities.

Setting up Your Food Policy Council

What options are available for Food Policy Councils in terms of structure, group composition, and the decision-making process? How can you ensure that your FPC’s work reflects your community’s needs? Hear from Sara Dewey (CLF) and Andrea Freeman (MA Public Health Association) on these topics and more in our webinar, Setting up Your Food Policy Council: Getting Started With Governance. The webinar provides an introduction to Food Policy Councils and then dives into key issues you need to consider when setting up or participating in a Food Policy Council, including building effective coalitions, structuring a Council and working toward a diverse and inclusive membership, and dividing up roles and responsibilities to get work done.

Food Policy Councils & Advocacy

What is food policy? How can Food Policy Councils shape it? And what is the current landscape of food policy advocacy in Massachusetts? Learn about these topics from Sara Dewey (CLF) and Brittany Peats (MA Food System Collaborative) in our webinar, Putting Food Policy Councils to Work: Advancing Food Policy in Massachusetts. The webinar will cover the following topics: (1) the basics of what Food Policy Councils are and what they can do; (2) an introduction to food policy and how Food Policy Councils can shape policy at all levels of government; and (3) updates about food policy in Massachusetts and opportunities for Food Policy Councils to get involved.