Project Profile:

Office of Attorney General, Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF)

The Nonprofit Council for Charitable Trusts was formed in January 2004 by the Michigan Nonprofit Association and the Council of Michigan Foundations. Chaired by Michigan’s Assistant Attorney General, the Council provides expertise and guidance to the Attorney General on issues related to charities and charitable giving in Michigan.

The Council provides feedback on existing and emerging regulations affecting the nonprofit sector, serves to assist the Attorney General with educating the public about charities and charitable giving, and promotes the importance of accountability and efficiency within the sector through regulatory compliance and promotion of best practices.

Open communication between the Attorney General and the general public about these issues leads to a stronger nonprofit sector, and thus, stronger Michigan communities.

The Council’s first project was creating the Staying Legal MI website, which educated nonprofits about federal and state compliance laws — this is now covered by the Michigan Corporation Division Seminar for New Nonprofits, and Resources for Charitable Beneficiaries of Wills and Trusts. The second project was developing and publishing Helping Michigan Citizens Give Wisely, a brochure to help donors make educated giving decisions.

• Served as a formal communication liaison and partner in advising the attorney general on charitable issues
• Created Giving Wisely website to educate nonprofits on legal compliance regulations
• Helped in revising the Charitable Organization and Solicitations Act
• Assisted MNA in developing best practice benchmarks to increase nonprofit accountability and effectiveness

Video: Watch leaders discuss the relationship between Michigan’s nonprofit sector and the Office of the Attorney General:

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