Wondering How To Start a Nonprofit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
Avoid Pitfalls With Award-Winning Attorneys for Nonprofits
Get a Free Consultation
Fort Lauderdale's Vibrant Community: An Opportunity for Nonprofits
The city's extensive network of canals and its proximity to the Everglades place environmental conservation at the forefront of community initiatives. Nonprofits dedicated to protecting natural habitats, promoting sustainability, and educating the public about environmental stewardship find a passionate audience in Fort Lauderdale. The city's commitment to green spaces and sustainable urban development opens avenues for projects focused on ecological preservation and climate resilience.
Furthermore, Fort Lauderdale's cultural dynamism, fueled by events like the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the thriving local arts scene, underscores the need for nonprofit organizations that support the arts, foster cultural expression, and promote access to cultural experiences for all community members. Nonprofits can leverage the city's rich artistic and cultural assets to build bridges across diverse communities, enhancing the social fabric of Fort Lauderdale.
8,449 Clients Successfully Served Since 2010
Legal Guidance Tailored to Fort Lauderdale's Nonprofits
Embarking on the journey of nonprofit formation in Fort Lauderdale entails navigating the intricacies of legal and regulatory frameworks. Chisholm Law Firm stands as a pivotal ally for nonprofit founders, offering experienced legal advice and support tailored to the unique landscape of Fort Lauderdale. Our firm boasts a remarkable 100%* success rate in obtaining 501(c)(3) status for our clients, reflecting our commitment to ensuring your nonprofit's legal foundation is strong and compliant.
Our comprehensive legal services span from incorporation and tax exemption to governance and regulatory compliance, addressing the specific needs and challenges of Fort Lauderdale's nonprofit community. We understand the local legal landscape and are dedicated to providing the strategic guidance necessary for your nonprofit to flourish.
*Past results do not determine future outcomes
Meet Our Attorney Audrey K. Chisholm, Esq.
Audrey’s passion for helping people start their own nonprofit organizations came from adversity. She started her nonprofit, Revolution Leadership, Inc., as a college student. Although she had big dreams for the organization – she couldn’t seem to get grants or donations to help grow the organization. She paid for the expenses of the nonprofit out of her own pocket from her summer internships and was only able to host smaller programs due to the limited budget.
Things changed when began studying nonprofit law while in law school. She learned strategies that major law firms used when forming nonprofits for their clients and studied the best practices of the most successful nonprofits. She realized that due to the the way her nonprofit was structured – she was missing out on funding opportunities.
Using her newfound legal knowledge, she obtained 501c3 tax-exempt status and grew her nonprofit into an organization that has served 1,689 students and has awarded 34 college scholarships. As a result, Revolution Leadership® receives major grants from Wells Fargo®, Enterprise® as well as corporate sponsorships from Wal-mart®, Olive Garden® and Chick-fil-A®.
She graduated from law school and started Chisholm Law Firm, PLLC – a firm that would help others form nonprofits that would be eligible for major grant funding. Audrey’s nonprofit practice includes having successfully formed 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organizations for clients throughout the United States ranging from startups to a Fortune 500 company.
She is a published author and her latest book became the #1 bestselling book in the Nonprofit Management and Leadership category on Amazon called "Start A 501c3 Nonprofit That Doesn’t Ruin Your Life: How to Legally Structure Your Nonprofit to Avoid I.R.S. Trouble, Lawsuits, Financial Scandals & More!"
She has served on the board of directors of several prominent nonprofit organizations including the board of directors for Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society for six years and the board of the Florida State University Torchbearers and Florida State University Recent Graduate Development Council with combined annual budgets exceeding $1 million.
Attorney Chisholm is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar. She is an AV-Preeminent Rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell® which is the highest distinction a lawyer can achieve. She has been nominated for the Florida Legal Elite award, which recognizes the state’s top lawyers as selected by their peers.
Attorney Chisholm was awarded the “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” by the United States House of Representatives for her work in the community. She was nominated for the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal awarded by President Obama. She was also featured in the November 2011 issue of Black Enterprise®, a national business magazine for “Making A Difference.” She is the recipient of the Mayor’s Humanitarian Award as well as the Orlando Magic® NBA Team “Magic Maker” award for her contributions to the community.
She is happily married to Dr. Juan P. Chisholm and enjoys being a wife and mother of three beautiful daughters and one son. She has over 14,000 followers on Twitter.
She believes in the Biblical principle of tithing and donates regularly to her local church as well as other charitable organizations.
EDUCATION:
- Juris Doctorate, Florida A&M University College of Law B.S.
- Florida State University La Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Spain (studies in international business)
AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
- The Florida Bar, Member in good standing
- United States House of Representatives “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition”
- Mayor’s Humanitarian Award
- Outstanding Lawyer Award, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
- NBA Team Orlando Magic® “Magic Maker” Award
- Outstanding Alumna Award, Omicron Delta Kappa, Inc.
- Reubin Askew Young Alumni Award, Florida State University
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing U.S. Private Companies
- Law Firm 500 Award for 12th fastest growing law firm in the U.S.
- Rising Star” Award for top 2.5% of lawyers in the State of Florida.
Driving Change in Fort Lauderdale's Communities
Fort Lauderdale presents a compelling opportunity for nonprofit organizations to drive meaningful change. The city's mix of environmental beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit creates a supportive environment for initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, fostering cultural understanding, and protecting natural resources.
With Chisholm Law Firm as your legal guide, your nonprofit can confidently navigate the path to success in Fort Lauderdale. Our industry-leading experience in nonprofit law, combined with a deep understanding of the local context, empowers your organization to achieve its mission and make a lasting impact in the community.
Join us in transforming Fort Lauderdale into a model of nonprofit innovation and community engagement. Together, we can leverage the unique opportunities this city offers to create a brighter, more sustainable, and culturally vibrant future for all its residents.