Teaching Paper: Glossary of Legal and Governance Terms for Non-Profits – Building Shared Language for Accountability and Compliance

Non-profit organizations operate within complex legal and governance frameworks that require precise understanding of technical terms. This Teaching Paper presents a glossary of 25 essential terms in non-profit governance, law, and accountability, each with clear academic definitions and practical notes for application. By consolidating terminology related to governance, compliance, financial management, and ethical standards, the paper provides practitioners, educators, and students with a shared vocabulary to strengthen transparency, trust, and organizational sustainability. Reflection questions and a case study illustrate how mastery of these terms enhances decision-making and donor confidence.