Nonprofit association has no duty to prevent member squabbles

member and the member has no claim against the association for breach of a contractual or fiduciary duty, a federal District Court in New York has ruled. The Court has dismissed a series of claims a member brought against the United States Equestrian Federation for breach of its disciplinary rules, breach of contract, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty.

The full text of this article is available to paid subscribers only. Login or subscribe to read more

October Webinar

State Charitable Solicitation Statutes: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
1:30-3:00 PM ET

Most charities that seek contributions nationally are required to register in 38 states and the District of Columbia that require registration before starting to solicit. What about for-profit fundraisers? Are they required to register and file their contracts and other documentation in some states?

Since many states are increasing their enforcement efforts to ensure that charities and fundraisers are complying with initial and annual registration requirements, it's important that charities and fundraisers abide by these statutes—especially since noncompliance can result in the imposition of significant fines and penalties.

How much trouble can you get in if you don’t follow the rules?

Whether you are a nonprofit executive, board member, lawyer or accountant, knowing the intricacies of state charitable solicitation registration statutes are relevant to everyone.

Learn more and register

EDs and Meds Report

Who's on Board: Gender & Race in Nonprofit Board Rooms is now available

The report shows modest gains in board diversity but a sharp decline in the willingness to talk about it. This is the third demographic report on Philadelphia “Eds” and “Meds” that says leadership does not reflect the population served.

40 of the largest nonprofit educational and medical organizations in the Philadelphia region were polled; the report shows modest gains in gender and racial diversity but a “troubling decline” in the number and percentage of organizations willing to share data on board demographics.

Read the Report

Nonprofit bylaw review

Don Kramer will review and comment on your own current or proposed bylaws

Do your Bylaws reflect the way you actually operate? Do they protect the interests of those who should be protected? Do they spell out clearly how to deal with governance issues? Or do they create uncertainty for those who have to implement them?

Most nonprofits don't spend a lot of time looking at their Bylaws until there is a question or a dispute. That's when you need bylaws that are clear and unambiguous, so your questions on how to proceed are already answered. That's when bad bylaws can lead to unnecessary controversies or even costly litigation. Nonprofit Issues editor Don Kramer will review your current or proposed Bylaws to see if they work for you.

Learn more

New Subscribers can have full access to the entire website and all editions for 3 months for only $17.95.

Subscribe Today

Here's what our readers say about Nonprofit Issues:
Thanks again for your excellent and helpful website - it's a wonderful resource for the non-profit community! --Stephanie H.

Thank you for your informative and keen advice on nonprofit matters. I believe it's a unique and concise place to get answers to this often wispy area called nonprofit. --Richard T.

SAY THAT AGAIN?

August 27, 2026

I got an email request for a political contribution recently: “Today, I’m asking you for $100 — the same donation you made [to my last campaign]. The reason being: I don’t spend my time asking corporate bigwigs for massive checks.” I was pleased that they were treating me as a real person who had helped out before.

Seven minutes later, literally seven minutes later, I got this email from the same candidate: “Today, I’m asking you for $3. Yes, just $3. The reason being: I don’t spend my time asking corporate bigwigs for massive checks.” So much for being a real person.

See our "Say That Again" collection

YOUR ONE-STOP PLACE FOR NONPROFIT LAW YOU NEED TO KNOW

Nonprofit association has no duty to prevent member squabbles

Nonprofit association has no duty to prevent member squabbles