Affordable and Clean Energy

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Taproot Earth

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

Summary:

Urgent – 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. There is some time sensitivity, as they will be receiving certain gifts in October.

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SolarBuddy

Advise on Prospective Carbon Offsetting Initiative

Summary:

Assist a social enterprise working to end extreme energy poverty by answering discrete questions about a prospective carbon offsetting initiative.

Referred by:

  • Other
Jurisdictions: US
About the Organization: SolarBuddy is a nonprofit committed to gifting millions of solar lights to children living in extreme energy poverty, while simultaneously educating and inspiring people around the world to be agents of change and end extreme energy poverty by 2030.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Good Health and Well Being, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Quality Education
Legal Issue(s):

SolarBuddy plans to provide a tax-deductible giving platform to employees via their employer to offset their carbon production both during their working days and personal life. This process/program will include involvement from SolarBuddy’s carbon trading partner, as well as a social enterprise dedicated to innovative carbon reduction programs. SolarBuddy is now seeking a consultation to discuss whether SolarBuddy can offer the employers mentioned above certain carbon credits as an incentive to participate in the payroll giving programs. They have some discrete questions ranging from whether employee benefits laws are implicated to possible effects on tax deductions for charitable donations. The SolarBuddy team would appreciate assistance by August 31st if possible.

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