Responsible Consumption and Production

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Villgro Innovations Fund

Consultation on Establishing a Nonprofit in the U.S.

Summary:

Assist a non-profit incubating social enterprises in India by advising on considerations when establishing a non-profit in the U.S.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Villgro Innovations Foundation is a non-profit organization incubating innovation-based for-profit social enterprises in India working in agriculture, health, climate action and gender. To date, they have worked with over 350 early-stage social enterprises and impacted millions of lives.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Gender Equality, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

Villgro Innovations Foundation (“Villgro”) is a nonprofit organization incubating innovation-based for-profit social enterprises in India working in agriculture, health, climate action and gender. One of their primary goals is to help facilitate greater access to capital for these innovators. However, as a non-profit in India, they are limited in their ability to operate and mobilize capital outside of the country, and there isn’t much flexibility to work in financing. After much consideration, they have decided it is in their best interest to establish a nonprofit/charity and/or hybrid entity in the United States or the UK. They are seeking a comprehensive consultation in the U.S. to discuss issues including: (i) what structure best fits their needs; (ii) registration requirements; (iii) whether this type of entity will allow them flexibility to deploy financial instruments (e.g., convertible notes); and (iv) any major administrative burdens they should consider (e.g., conflict of interest considerations). It would be helpful (although it is not necessary) if the firm also has a presence in the UK. The Villgro team would like to have a related consultation in the UK, to ultimately determine which jurisdiction is a better fit for the organization and their future plans.

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Kumbatia Seafood

Trademark Registration

Summary:

Assist a social enterprise working to conserve East Africa’s marine ecosystems while mobilizing fishing communities out of poverty by registering a trademark.

Referred by:

  • Friend of the Foundation
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Kumbatia Seafood is a world-class seafood wholesaler with a mission to conserve East Africa’s marine ecosystems while mobilizing its artisanal fishing communities out of poverty.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Good Health and Well Being, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Life Below Water (conservation and sustainability), Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Zero Hunger
Legal Issue(s):

Kumbatia has entered into a formal alliance agreement with Simple Life processors in Kenya in order to be able to process and export high-end seafood sourced from Kenya’s artisanal fishing communities to international markets. They have established a jointly owned Delaware corporation, and are seeking assistance registering a trademark for the new entity.

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RADIKAL

Explain Provisions in Grant Agreement

Summary:

Assist a social enterprise engaged in micro-lending in Haiti by reviewing the terms of a Grant Agreement.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: RADIKAL is a social enterprise focused on creating opportunities for Haitian women living in poverty by investing in micro-enterprises.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
  • Visit RADIKAL
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Responsible Consumption and Production, Zero Hunger
Legal Issue(s):

RADIKAL signed a Grant Agreement last year. They are seeking assistance walking through the agreement to ensure they understand the provisions and to identify any red flags.

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