Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems)

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Consultation (8) Contracts (4) Corporate Formation (2) Corporate Governance (2) Due Diligence (1) Employment/Labor (5) Finance/Fundraising (1) Intellectual Property (3) Nonprofit Formation (2) Nonprofit Governance (2) Tax (2) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (8)

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Mukuru Clean Stoves

Patent Registration

Summary:

Assist a social enterprise producing efficient cookstoves in Africa by registering a U.S. patent.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Mukuru Clean Stoves (MCS) designs, manufactures, and distributes improved, efficient, and reliable cookstoves. MCS makes its stoves with locally sourced recycled metal and distributes them through networks of local women business owners and micro-finance institutions. Their vision is to significantly reduce household air pollution in underserved markets in Africa.
Legal Entity Type: Hybrid (nonprofit + for-profit affiliates)
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Good Health and Well Being, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

Mukuru Clean Stoves has both a registered for-profit and non-profit entity in Kenya. They are now in the process of expanding into the United States. The Mukuru Clean Stoves team is seeking assistance registering a U.S. patent for their innovative cookstoves. They would like the IP to be owned by its new U.S. entity, not yet established (a separate request on this Digest).

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Mukuru Clean Stoves

Advise on Establishing a U.S. Entity

Summary:

Assist a social enterprise producing efficient cookstoves in Africa on establishing a U.S. entity to attract partners/investors.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Mukuru Clean Stoves (MCS) designs, manufactures, and distributes improved, efficient, and reliable cookstoves. MCS makes its stoves with locally sourced recycled metal and distributes them through networks of local women business owners and micro-finance institutions. Their vision is to significantly reduce household air pollution in underserved markets in Africa.
Legal Entity Type: Hybrid (nonprofit + for-profit affiliates)
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Good Health and Well Being, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

Mukuru Clean Stoves has both a registered for-profit and non-profit entity in Kenya. They are now looking to expand into the U.S., to attract more partners/investors for their innovative cookstove technology. They are currently seeking a comprehensive consultation to discuss what entity structure best fits their needs and, if possible, assistance with the registration itself. They are also seeking to patent their technology in the U.S., (a separate matter on this Digest) and will need the U.S. entity established so that it can own the IP.

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Adumu Impact

Establish 501c3

Summary:

Assist a charity restoring land rights to the Maasai people establish a 501c3.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S. (CA)
About the Organization: Adumu Impact is a charitable organization established to restore land, rights, culture, and economic self-determination to the Indigenous Maasai and other host communities through equitable ecotourism, regional tourism reform, and community wildlife conservation.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, End Poverty, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Adumu Impact is a public charity registered in CA. They are currently under fiscal sponsorship, but would like to apply for their own 501c3 status. They are seeking assistance completing and filing the IRS documents and would appreciate help with board formation and bylaw review.

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Taproot Earth

Consultation on Charitable Status “Tipping” and “Unusual Gifts” Exemption

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit advancing climate justice by providing a comprehensive consultation on avoiding charitable status “tipping” and the “unusual gifts” exemption.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Taproot is non-profit committed to building power and cultivating solutions among frontline communities advancing climate justice and democracy. They advance climate solutions through movement-building, law & policy strategies, global climate reparations, and equitable disaster recovery.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

Taproot Earth worked with a Lex Mundi firm to establish charitable status earlier this year. Now, they are seeking guidance on receiving large gifts while avoiding charitable status “tipping,” as well as the “unusual gifts” exemption.

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