Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

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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 This 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.

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Consultation (3) Contracts (5) Corporate Governance (1) Data Privacy (1) Finance/Fundraising (2) Intellectual Property (2) Nonprofit Formation (2) Nonprofit Governance (2) Regulatory (3) Research (2) Tax (2) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (4)

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People’s Courage International Inc.

Answer Discrete Questions Around Making Mission Related Investments

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit strengthening the resilience of migrant workers in Asia by answering discrete questions related to making mission-related investments.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Founded in 2020, People’s Courage International (PCI) is a US-based nonprofit working across South and Southeast Asia to strengthen the resilience of informal and migrant workers. PCI envisions a future where every informal worker has access to effective social protections not only to manage risks at different life-cycle events but also to mitigate emerging climate risks that impact their health, livelihood and assets.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Courage International wants to branch out making mission-related investments in its areas of operations (primarily SE Asia). They are seeking assistance answering a set of discrete questions before moving forward (e.g., can they lend from the nonprofit without setting up a separate entity; what are the tax implications). The full list of questions can be provided upon request. They are incorporated in Washington, DC.

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FreeFrom

Research on State Lobbying Laws

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit supporting victims of gender based violence by conducting research on state lobbying laws.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: FreeFrom is a nonprofit working to end gender-based violence with survivors by building safety and economic freedom. They innovate with survivors to create tools, resources and environments that offer support before, during, and beyond moments of crisis. Survivors can then build financial security to support their indvididual, intergenerational, and community healing.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):End Poverty, Gender Equality, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

As FreeFrom, a 501c3 nonprofit, continues to build their state policy strategy in advocating for survivor financial security centered policies, they need information on each state’s lobbyist requirements. This will ensure they are in compliance with each state’s law and lobbyist reporting requirements as they expand their work across the nation.

FreeFrom has a template of the information they need for each state along with 6 discrete questions (e.g., what are the requirements for registering as a lobbyist in the state). These can be provided upon request.

Any volunteer/firm can handle the research for as many or as few states as they are able to accommodate. A list of priority states can be provided upon request.

Ideally, they would love for the research to be completed by the end of October. However, this is not a hard deadline.

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Anseye Pou Ayiti

Incorporate and File for 501c3 Status

Summary:

Assist an organization transforming Haiti’s education system by helping them to incorporate in the U.S. and apply for 501c3 status.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Anseye Pou Ayiti (APA) works with local civic leaders who are transforming Haiti’s education system towards liberation, equipping generations of Haitians with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to achieve their full potential.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Anseye Pou Ayiti is a nonprofit in Haiti and has worked under a fiscal sponsor in the US for the past 13 years. They have now decided it makes sense to establish a “Friends of Anseye Pou Ayiti” nonprofit in the US to facilitate U.S. based donations. They will not have a team or any operations/programming in the US.

They are now seeking assistance incorporating and filing for 501c3 status. Although Anseye Pou Ayiti will not have permanent staff in the US, they do have some board members in the US (Maryland, DC, California). They also already work with an accounting firm and conduct annual audits with US-based firms. They are open to suggestions from the attorney on where best to incorporate.

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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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