PBPA Podcast

Hosted by Georgia's Nonprofit and Legal Podcast by Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta

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Oct 2026

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Podcast by Georgia's Nonprofit and Legal Podcast by Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta

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October 28, 202637 min

Beyond the Background Check: Choosing Mentors and Protecting Minors

Mentors can have a profound impact, which is why choosing the right ones is an important decision for youth-serving nonprofits. Because individuals who seek to harm children often present as especially helpful and trustworthy, organizations can’t rely on first impressions alone. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we talk to Debbie Ausburn about how to distinguish great mentors from predatory groomers, including not just screening, but also ongoing policies and training. Strong, consistent practices help to protect minors, support the many well-intentioned mentors, and minimize risk to youth-serving nonprofits.

September 23, 202630 min

Recognizing and Navigating Conflicts of Interest

Many nonprofit leaders are familiar with the idea of a conflict of interest, but recognizing one in the moment is another matter. These situations don't always come with a warning label, and even if the transaction is well-intentioned, a potential conflict that is not adequately reviewed by a board can expose your organization to legal risk, including IRS penalties. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Ben Barkley with Kilpatrick will answer our questions about conflicts of interest, how to recognize them, what to do once one arises, and he'll share real world examples that show how these situations actually play out.

August 26, 202624 min

Picture This: Privacy & Photo Releases for Nonprofits

For nonprofits, pictures serve as a powerful storytelling tool. But every photo posted online carries some legal and ethical questions that can be easy to overlook. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we sit down with Creighton Frommer to review what nonprofits need to know about photo releases, social media, and privacy — so nonprofits can tell their story while minimizing risk to clients, staff, and the organization.

July 17, 202621 min

W2 Employee, 1099 Contractor, or Legal Liability?

Classifying a worker as an independent contractor instead of an employee might seem like a simple administrative choice, but getting it wrong can expose a nonprofit to back taxes, penalties, and legal liability. In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Stephens with Cox Automotive to unpack how the IRS and Department of Labor actually evaluate worker classification, the factors nonprofits often overlook, and the steps organizations can take to protect themselves, as well as their board and management who may also face liability. Whether you are bringing on a consultant, a contract therapist, or summer help, this conversation will help you understand the spectrum from employee to contractor, and why that matters for your organization.

June 2, 202624 min

Navigating Check Fraud: Detection, Prevention, and Recovery Strategies

Check fraud is one of the fastest-growing financial crimes affecting organizations today, and nonprofits are not immune. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we're talking with attorney Kurt Lentz about check fraud, how it happens, and what to do if your organization becomes a target.

May 26, 202628 min

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Contract Strategy and Management for Your Nonprofit

Nonprofits deal with a wide range of contracts, from short-term MOUs to major mission-critical agreements. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we will embark on part two of a two-part series on managing nonprofit contracts. Join us for a conversation with Thomas Frederico on building a streamlined strategy to help minimize your organization's legal risks - before and after signing a contract.

April 21, 202633 min

Before You Sign: A Nonprofit's Guide to Contract Review

Part I of a Two-Part Series on How Nonprofits Can Set Up A Practical Contract Review & Management Strategy Your nonprofit just received a long contract from a new vendor. You're excited about this new relationship — but before you sign, you find yourself wondering: "Should I review this whole document? Can I just focus on a few key sections? How do I know which sections to focus on? Should I get a lawyer involved? Can I just have AI look it over?" Tune into this episode of the PBPA Podcast, where Thomas Federico breaks down each of these questions to help nonprofits build a practical approach to contract review.

March 30, 202626 min

Due Diligence for Donation Platforms: Lessons from the Flipcause Bankruptcy

In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, we take a closer look at the recent bankruptcy of Flipcause and what it means for the nonprofit community. I’m joined by attorney Tom Mills and nonprofit executive director Erin Campbell to unpack what happened, how nonprofits were impacted, and the lessons learned. We’ll also discuss practical steps nonprofits can take to better protect from similar risks. If your organization relies on third-party tools for fundraising, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

February 25, 202620 min

Structuring Board Committees for Success: Legal and Practical Advice

Board committees are a powerful but sometimes misunderstood tool of nonprofit governance. For board members of small nonprofits, committees can drive focus, accountability, and strategic impact - when they’re set up correctly. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Jared Brandman with National Vision will break down what board committees do, how to structure them effectively, and how to stay on the right side of legal and fiduciary responsibilities.

January 23, 202629 min

Renovation Without Regret: Minimizing Risk With Construction Contractors

For many small nonprofits, building and facilities work can be both exciting and risky, often involving tight budgets, volunteer boards, and unfamiliar contracts. In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Mackenzie Bell with The Home Depot shares practical risk management strategies nonprofits can use both before a project begins and when problems arise.