CAFTA Case List
Here is the list of arts-related pro bono opportunities that are currently seeking a referral through Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA). Thanks for your interest in providing legal assistance to support Colorado’s artists, performers, cultural organizations and creative businesses.
If you are interested in taking on one of the CAFTA matters below, please contact CAFTA@cbca.org and reference the case # in the subject line.
Available CAFTA Matters
Updated December 12, 2024
#24095 [Lease Review & Negotiation] NEW & URGENT
Client is a nonprofit dance organization. Client is seeking legal assistance to review and negotiate the lease for a new studio space. Client is planning to begin a renovation project on the studio as soon as possible.
#24094 [Breach of Fiduciary Duty] NEW
Client is an arts nonprofit organization in Colorado. Client is seeking legal assistance regarding a former Executive Director who allegedly made personal loans to the organization and now appears to be requesting repayment. The former Executive Director allegedly made personal loans without the Board of Directors’ knowledge, approval or documentation. The former Executive Director also allegedly disregarded other administrative duties for the organization and stepped down to a volunteer role earlier this year. It appears that the former Executive Director may have cashed a check from the organization for the amount of the loans at the end of November.
#24092 [Dispute Resolution] NEW
Client is an artist and jewelry-maker. Client is selling her jewelry on consignment at a store located in California. Client is seeking legal assistance because the store has not paid her for three pieces of jewelry. The store claims that they were robbed and are past-due on paying the Client. There is a signed consignment agreement between the Client and the store.
#24087 [Loan Negotiation]
Client is a visual artist in rural Colorado. Client is seeking legal guidance regarding the repayment of small business loans secured during the pandemic. Client is currently working to repay two federal loans and one from a Colorado-based entity. The latter has been very aggressive and is requesting high monthly payments, even though the Client applied for a hardship deferral. Client is seeking legal assistance to negotiate this situation with the Colorado-based loan and understand if her limited assets are at risk.
#24075 [Contract Dispute]
Client is an actress. Months ago, Client signed a contract and was cast as a female lead in a SAG-AFTRA film scheduled to be shot in Canada starting mid-October 2024. This summer, the film director sent her and the male lead a release notice offering a $500 termination payment. Client had turned down numerous projects since getting cast in this film. When the Client inquired about this situation with the SAG union, they informed her that the “SAG” contract she was given was fraudulent and not approved by SAG. Client is seeking counsel to navigate this situation and recoup compensation.
#24081 [Nonprofit Formation]
Client is a state-certified Creative District in an urban neighborhood. Client has been operating under a nonprofit fiscal sponsor since 2017. As the organization has evolved, the Client’s board of directors would like to separate from the fiscal sponsor and become a standalone 501c3 nonprofit organization. The board feels the organization has sufficient capacity to be a standalone organization and having their own 501c3 status will offer more financial opportunities. Client is seeking legal assistance to facilitate this transition and the formation of their own 501c3 nonprofit entity.
#24077 [Nonprofit Formation]
Client publishes an independent literary magazine. Client is seeking legal assistance to form a 501c3 nonprofit organization for their magazine. The magazine has been in continuous operation since 2016. Currently, there is no formal entity for the magazine. It was affiliated with another literary press until 2020, but has been operating independently ever since. There is a donor who wishes to make a significant contribution to the literary magazine, which is spurring the Client to form a 501c3 nonprofit entity. The Client consists of the current Managing Editor and the Poetry Editor.
#24040 [Nonprofit Formation]
Client is a dance professional. Client is seeking legal assistance to form a new 501c3 nonprofit entity with a mission to create a safe and inspiring environment where dancers of all levels can learn and develop as artists without apprehension or pressure of competition. Client has not yet taken any steps to form this new entity, except for building a website. Client has a separate LLC dance school, which will be entirely separate from this new nonprofit entity.
#24047 [Tax-Exempt Filing]
Client is a nonprofit organization that hosts a local electronic arts festival. Client is seeking legal assistance to get their tax-exempt status reinstated with the IRS. Client has been in operation on and off since 2015, and is in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State. Client found out that their tax-exempt status was revoked by the IRS a few years ago for failing to file their annual tax return. Client would like to get their tax-exempt status reinstated so they can continue to fundraise and apply for grants for the next festival.
Check out CAFTA’s Description of Pro Bono Services to learn more about the referral process and expectations for volunteer attorneys.
