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Partnerships to achieve the Goals

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

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Organization for Environmental Education and Protection Corp

Consultation on IRS Compliance

Summary:
Assist a nonprofit working to reconnect people with the Earth by providing a consultation on compliance with IRS requirements.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Organization for Environmental Education and Protection Corp (OpEPA) is a non-profit that works to reconnect people with the Earth to accelerate the transition to sustainable and regenerative cultures. To do this, they generate a model of approach to the Earth that leads people to learn about and then personally act in direct actions that have a positive impact on the planet.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Good Health and Well Being, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Quality Education, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

The Organization for Environmental Education and Protection Corp established a 501(c)(3) in the United States (“OpEPA USA”) in 2007. For many years, their work in the US was limited and their annual funding fell below the $25,000 threshold.

Now OpEPA USA has received a large grant of $330,000 USD (with a commitment of additional funding through 2026) and is in the process of scaling up their operations/programming. They are seeking a comprehensive consultation with a tax-exempt attorney to discuss any considerations they should take into account/steps they must take to ensure compliance with IRS requirements. As part of the conversation, they would also like to discuss what (if any) steps they should take to revamp their structure/governing documents given their new and expanded offerings in the US.

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Buy-In Community Planning

Determine Trademark Availability/Register Trademarks

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit helping to relocate people threatened by natural hazards by running a trademark search and registering either one or two trademarks.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: The mission of Buy-In Community Planning is to support the well-being of people whose homes and communities are threatened by natural hazards by assisting them in planning for and relocating to safer areas. Using the power of geospatial data and participatory planning, we help communities design voluntary relocation assistance programs that are transparent, equitable, and environmentally restorative to ensure that no household is left in harm’s way.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, Good Health and Well Being, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

The Buy-In Community Planning Team is seeking assistance determining whether certain portions of their name and related phrases are available to trademark. Once the trademark searches are run (and if available), they would appreciate assistance with one or two related trademark registrations.

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Consultation Corral

Answer Three Discrete Questions Around Tribal Consultations

Summary:

Assist a team creating an online platform where tribal leaders and Native advocates can access Tribal Consultation opportunity information in real time by answering three discrete questions around Tribal Consultations.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Corral is an online platform where tribal leaders and Native advocates can access Tribal Consultation opportunity information in real time. Their process automates the work of tribal governments and Native-led advocacy organizations to pull together tribal consultation opportunities. Corral is an open-government project geared at making Tribal Consultation communication and existing data work for tribal communities. Corral is available to staff and elected officials of Tribal Nations at no cost.
Legal Entity Type: Unregistered
  • Visit Consultation Corral
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Clean Water and Sanitation, 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), Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Zero Hunger
Legal Issue(s):

The team at Corral would love to have a conversation with a lawyer working with Tribal Nation clients to learn how they prepare clients for responding to and participating in Tribal Consultations. They have three discrete questions:

  1. How do your clients typically learn about Tribal Consultation opportunities? Is it through ‘Dear Tribal Leader’ letters, professional networks, or something else?
  2. If you identify these opportunities, how do you search the Federal Register and agency websites for this information?
  3. What general advice do you have for tribes without legal representation for approaching Tribal Consultation opportunities with the federal government? With states?
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Catalyst 2030/Catalyst NOW

Provide Consultation on Strategy to Register Trademarks Internationally

Summary:

Assist a global movement working to achieve the UN SDGs by 2030 by providing a consultation to discuss a strategy for registering trademarks in the U.S. and internationally.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Catalyst 2030 is a global movement of people and organizations committed to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 through impactful social innovation initiatives. It was launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2020 and was co-founded by members of Ashoka, Echoing Green, the Schwab Foundation, and the Skoll Foundation.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Clean Water and Sanitation, 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), Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Zero Hunger
Legal Issue(s):

Catalyst 2030 is currently rebranding and renaming the organization “Catalyst NOW.” As such, they need to register trademarks for their new name and logo. They would like to start in the U.S., and then register their trademarks internationally. The key regions include the Americas (in particular the United States and Latin America), the Asia-Pacific and MENA region (APAC), the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

They are seeking a consultation with an IP attorney to discuss a strategy for registering internationally. The Catalyst team is currently working with a firm to incorporate and file for 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. Once the entity is established, they will also need help registering the U.S. trademark. However, this is a secondary request.

 

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8B Education Investments

Advise on Best Structure for Joint De-Risking Pool of Capital

Summary:

Assist an organization working to connect African students with fair and flexible student loans by advising on the best structure for setting up a joint de-risking pool of capital.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: 8B Education Investments is a social impact organization that works to connect African students with fair and flexible student loans for studying abroad.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
SDG(s):Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

8B Finance is partnering with another VC-funded DE C Corp (Funding U) to increase the number of students of color in STEM classrooms. They are setting up a joint de-risking pool of capital. The entity will take in low interest loan capital and recoverable grant capital.

8B and Funding U are considering partnering with a non-profit to manage the pool of funds, which would allocate it to them as needed (for a fee). Alternatively, the 8B team would like to understand if a joint impact fund could be managed as an SPV without the presence of a non-profit. If so, what form should this SPV take, and how should it be structured. Ideally, the 8B team would appreciate assistance comparing and contrasting the two approaches (if the second is possible) and understanding any relevant tax implications.

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Taos Education Collaborative, a special project of the Taos Community Foundation

Incorporation and Nonprofit Registration

Summary:

Assist a team eliminating barriers to educational success by helping them to incorporate and file for 501c3 status.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: New Mexico
About the Organization: Taos Education Collaborative is dedicated to eliminating the barriers that stand between their community’s youth and educational success. Through collective action, they are working to make Taos a place where high-quality learning and educational experiences are available and accessible to learners of all ages — regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
Legal Entity Type: Unregistered
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, Gender Equality, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Taos Education Collaborative has been incubated under the Taos Community Foundation for several years. Now, they would like to become an independent non-profit. The Taos Education Collaborative team is seeking assistance incorporating in New Mexico and applying for 501c3 status.

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