News & Resources

Community events—like Traverse City’s summer festivals, Lake Leelanau vineyard fundraisers, or barn weddings in Leelanau County—are central to Northern Michigan’s cultural and nonprofit calendar. But behind every successful event lies a foundation of proper licensing, zoning approval, and risk planning. Missteps in permitting or land use can result in delays, fines, or even event cancellation.

Welcome back to “The Quarterly Compass,” the email newsletter of True North Legal Group.  This resource is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, executives, and business-minded professionals in Northern Michigan.

This guide helps Northern Michigan nonprofits understand the legal landscape surrounding donor privacy—what rules apply, what donors expect, and what steps organizations must take to manage data securely and transparently.

For many Northern Michigan nonprofits, grant funding is a lifeline—supporting everything from wildlife conservation to workforce development. These funds can launch new programs, scale existing services, and meet pressing community needs. But behind every grant is a legal agreement, and overlooking its terms can jeopardize the very mission the money was meant to support.

It is essential for nonprofit leaders to understand the legal protections, requirements, and best practices that govern volunteer involvement in Michigan. This guide explains how liability laws work, how to protect volunteers and organizations, and what steps every nonprofit should take to create a legally sound and safe volunteer program.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have become one of the fastest-growing charitable giving tools in Northern Michigan. Individuals, families, and businesses use them to simplify philanthropy, receive immediate tax deductions, and distribute gifts over time—often supporting local nonprofits in Traverse City, Petoskey, and beyond. But behind their popularity are important legal, tax, and governance rules that donors and recipient organizations must understand.

Corporate philanthropy has long played a vital role in Northern Michigan, from small-town sponsorships and local grantmaking to sophisticated partnerships with regional nonprofits. Whether a Traverse City brewery supports an environmental cause or a Petoskey manufacturer donates equipment to a technical college, these contributions shape community infrastructure and well-being. But behind every donation lies a legal framework that must be carefully understood.

Nonprofits in Northern Michigan—whether protecting shorelines, supporting rural youth, or preserving historic downtowns—are increasingly finding value in partnering with for-profit businesses. These collaborations offer expanded reach, new funding streams, and deeper community impact. But without careful planning and legal insight, they can also create risks for both parties.

Northern Michigan’s nonprofit organizations play a critical role in enriching communities—from supporting vulnerable populations to preserving natural resources and hosting beloved local events. But to maintain focus on their missions, nonprofits must also navigate the complex landscape of employment law. This guide provides a practical, up-to-date overview of the legal requirements facing nonprofits in 2025, including Michigan’s updated sick leave law, wage and hour rules, worker classification, anti-discrimination protections, and recommended policies.

Welcome back to “The Quarterly Compass,” the email newsletter of True North Legal Group.  This resource is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, executives, and business-minded professionals in Northern Michigan.