From time to time, themes emerge in our practice. Recently, a recurring question has been what happens if a nonprofit corporation does not comply with its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws? While it’s true that the sky won’t fall and you won’t necessarily be arrested on the spot, there are a number of unsavory consequences that can flow from a decision to take action that is in conflict with the nonprofit’s articles or bylaws.Â
Ultra Vires Acts
            Ultra vires is a Latin term conveying that acts outside the permissible scope of authority set forth in a corporation’s governing documents are unauthorized activities that cannot be ratified by its Board of Directors.
Although many states have effectively abolished this common law concept by granting corporations significant autonomy, ultra vires continue to be an important doctrine in the tax-exempt nonprofit context because such organizations are required to limit their powers to qualify for tax exemption.Â
            For example, if a 501(c)(3) enters into a contract to endorse a political candidate that is outside the scope of its permissible activities, the contract may be voided by the nonprofit. 501(c)(3)s are generally prohibited from intervening in political campaigns, which includes endorsing candidates for political office.
Accordingly, endorsing a political candidate would likely fall outside the scope of the 501(c)(3)s permissible activities, as stated in their articles or bylaws, constituting an ultra vires act. The Board, acting for the nonprofit, would have no authority to ratify the contract. While there may be other arguments to enforce an ultra vires contract, acting ultra vires puts the nonprofit and its stakeholders at risk.
Breach of Fiduciary Duties
Officers and directors owe fiduciary duties to the corporation in which they serve. When directors or officers fail to follow the corporation’s governing documents, they open themselves up to liability for breaching their duties of care and obedience. Officers and directors may be held personally liable in the event a breach of duty occurs.
Derivative Suits
Most states permit a faction of directors or the corporation’s voting members to bring a derivative suit on the corporation’s behalf if they feel the nonprofit is being harmed by its board. Derivative suits are often tricky to execute as there are several formalities that must be satisfied prior to being eligible to file a suit. For example, in Arizona, a member must first make a demand to the board and permit the board a certain period of time to alter their course of action before the member has standing to sue.
Exceptions to Insurance Coverage
            Many people mistakenly believe that directors’ and officers’ insurance will shield wrongdoers from liability for ultra vires acts. However, under most insurance policies, this is not the case.  Directors’ and officers’ insurance, even coupled with corporate indemnification, will not safeguard those who act outside the scope of their authority.
Conclusion
            In an ideal world, all board members and officers are fluent in their nonprofit’s governing documents, review them each year, and make updates regularly. However, we have seen time and time again that articles and bylaws are overlooked or put out of mind.
Many times, officers and directors are not even aware that they are violating the nonprofit’s articles or bylaws. If you believe that a nonprofit, or its directors and officers, is acting ultra vires, the best solution is to respectfully bring the violation to their attention and resolve it amicably so the nonprofit’s focus is not taken away from its charitable purposes.Â
Kyler Mejia is an attorney (bar pending) with Caritas Law Group, P.C. Caritas Law Group, P.C. Kyler advises nonprofit and socially responsible businesses on corporate, tax, and fundraising regulations nationwide, as well as donors with regard to major gifts. To schedule a consultation, call 602-456-0071 or email us through our contact form.