Gender Equality

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Consultation (3) Contracts (1) Finance/Fundraising (1) Nonprofit Formation (2) Nonprofit Governance (3) Regulatory (1) Research (1) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (5) Visa/Immigration (1)

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Grassland Cameroon

Assist with 1023 Filing and Governance Documents

Summary:

Assist a Georgia nonprofit supporting female smallholder farmers in Cameroon with their Form 1023 filing and governance policies/documents (work was begun and largely completed by a pro bono attorney but needs to be reviewed and finalized).

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S. (Georgia Nonprofit)
About the Organization: Grassland Cameroon is a social enterprise that produces cornmeal porridge sourced from female smallholder farmers in Cameroon, whom they finance with farm inputs each planting season.
Legal Entity Type: Hybrid (nonprofit + for-profit affiliates)
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Good Health and Well Being
Legal Issue(s):

In 2024, Grassland Cameroon formed a separate U.S. entity called Farm to Thrive, a Georgia nonprofit corporation.  Farm to Thrive is in the process of completing its Form 1023, but the 1023 needs to be finalized and filed with the IRS.  Corporate governance policies and documents have also been drafted for Farm to Thrive by attorneys but need to be reviewed and finalized. The work was started (and largely completed) by Lex Mundi attorneys who have transitioned from their firm. The organization now just needs help getting across the finish line.

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Platform for Labour Action International

Draft Affiliation Agreement

Summary:

Assist an organization working to provide legal aid to marginalized workers in Uganda by drafting an affiliation agreement between their U.S. and Ugandan entities.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: United States (Ugandan review will be addressed separately)
About the Organization: Platform for Labor Action (PLA) is a well-established Ugandan organization dedicated to providing legal aid to marginalized workers earning under $160/month and stopping child labour. In 2023, Platform for Labour Action International was established in the United States to support PLA’s mission through research, future fundraising, and expanded operations.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Quality Education
Legal Issue(s):

Platform for Labor Action (PLA) is a well-established Ugandan organization dedicated to providing legal aid to marginalized workers earning under $160/month and stopping child labor. In 2023, PLA International was established in the United States to support PLA’s mission through research, future fundraising, and expanded operations, specifically as a U.S. 501(c)(3) entity.

The PLA team is seeking assistance drafting an affiliation agreement between the U.S. and Ugandan entities to formalize the relationship, clarify roles, and establish proper governance and funding protocols. This agreement is crucial for ensuring PLA International maintains its 501(c)(3) status, particularly regarding IRS compliance, fundraising regulations, international grantmaking protocols, and organizational governance, including proper documentation of fund transfers, OFAC compliance, and intellectual property provisions.

 

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