Please Treat the Information in the Digest as Confidential. Do Not Circulate Outside of the Lex Mundi Network.

If you are interested in a matter, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing Isis Bous and Allison Laubach through the “Ask About a Matter” button on the details page or directly (ibous@lexmundiprobono.org; alaubach@lexmundiprobono.org) and let us know which project(s) interests you. We will place matches with Lex Mundi member firms on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can view all matter summaries on the “Digest” page(s). To view summaries by legal need, select the category of interest. See details of individual matters via the “Read More” link in a matter. To view all details of all available matters, choose “View All”.

View by Legal Need
Consultation (6) Contracts (3) Employment/Labor (5) Finance/Fundraising (2) Intellectual Property (4) Nonprofit Formation (3) Real Estate (1) Regulatory (2) Research (1) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (4)

Digest  |  View All

Motion Light Lab (housed under Gallaudet University)

Advise on Options to Structure Relationship With University

Summary:

Assist an organization working to create an equitable world for Deaf children by providing a consultation to discuss how best to structure their relationship with Gallaudet University.

Referred by:

Jurisdiction(s): U.S. (D.C. based nonprofit)
About the Organization: Motion Light Lab (ML2) is a Deaf-led social impact organization focusing on creating an equitable world for all Deaf children through sign language access and acquisition. ML2 uses creative literature and digital technology to create immersive learning experiences. ML2 was established at Gallaudet University. Gallaudet is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s): Good Health and Well Being, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Motion Light Lab (ML2) is currently housed under Gallaudet University, which is a 501(c)(3). ML2 has a very positive and symbiotic relationship with Gallaudet. However, they have run into certain challenges, particularly with respect to securing external funding, because of their current structure/relationship with the university. They have been told that they aren’t good candidates for grant funding because they fall under the university’s umbrella.

The ML2 team is now seeking a consultation with an attorney to explore alternative structures that could optimize ML2’s growth potential and increase fundraising opportunities/funding streams, while maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with Gallaudet. They would like to take a holistic approach and understand their options, which they imagine could range from becoming an independent 501(c)(3) to establishing a subsidiary under the university.

Ask About a Matter
,