A Guide for Nonprofits: Writing Your Own Contracts for Services

Nonprofit organizations often rely on external services to support their operations, and establishing clear and enforceable contracts is crucial to ensure smooth collaborations. While engaging a lawyer is the most reliable option, nonprofits with limited resources may need to create their contracts in-house. In this article, we'll explore several steps nonprofits can take to write their contracts for services, providing a framework that combines online resources, technology, and expert assistance when available.

  1. Utilize Google for Sample Contracts: One of the first steps in creating a contract is to gather reference materials and sample contracts to understand the necessary components and legal language. Google can be a valuable resource for finding sample contracts related to the specific services your nonprofit requires. Be sure to review multiple sources and adapt the contracts to fit your organization's unique needs and local regulations.
  2. Sign up for a Free Trial of a Contract Maker Platform: Contract maker platforms like Rocket Lawyer, LawDepot, etc., offer user-friendly tools and templates to simplify the contract creation process. Take advantage of their free trial periods to explore their features and generate a basic contract structure tailored to your nonprofit's requirements. These platforms often provide customizable templates for various types of service agreements, making it easier to draft contracts from scratch.
  3. Utilize ChatGPT to Draft a Contract and Reference Samples: ChatGPT, an AI language model, can be useful in drafting contracts. You can engage with ChatGPT to generate contract clauses, sections, or entire drafts based on your organization's needs. While the AI model can provide valuable suggestions, it's important to remember that it should not substitute for legal advice. Use ChatGPT to refine your contract language and structure, always cross-referencing with the sample contracts you found earlier.
  4. Apply for Pro Bono Legal Support: When you require more comprehensive legal advice or need assistance reviewing and finalizing your contracts, consider seeking pro bono legal support. In Massachusetts, for example, organizations like Lawyers Clearinghouse connect nonprofits with volunteer attorneys who offer their expertise free of charge. Although this process may take time, it ensures that your contracts meet legal standards and safeguards your nonprofit's interests.

In conclusion, while engaging legal professionals to draft contracts for nonprofit organizations is ideal, limited resources can sometimes necessitate creating contracts in-house. Following the steps outlined above, nonprofits can effectively write their own contracts for services. Remember to gather reference materials through Google searches, leverage contract maker platforms during free trial periods, utilize ChatGPT for drafting assistance and apply for pro bono legal support when necessary. By combining these resources, nonprofits can confidently navigate the contract-writing process and ensure that their agreements are clear, comprehensive, and legally sound.