Pro Bono Legal Support for Fiscally Sponsored Organizations and Nonprofits (NGOs)
Are you searching for free legal assistance for your non-profit or fiscally sponsored organization? We know the difficulties that non-profit organizations face with legal matters, and we are ready to provide you with two valuable resources. These organizations possess the necessary skills and commitment to help you comply with tax laws, contract negotiations, or any other legal issues. By utilizing these pro bono legal support options, you can direct your attention toward creating a positive impact on your community.
TrustLaw™
TrustLaw is the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono legal service. We connect high-impact NGOs and social enterprises working to create social and environmental change with the best law firms and corporate legal teams to provide them with free legal assistance. With a community of more than 6,500 members in over 190 countries, TrustLaw is the world’s largest global pro bono network.
LawyersClearinghouse
The Legal Referral Program connects eligible nonprofits located in or fiscally sponsored by a Massachusetts nonprofit organization (Model A: Direct Program) with pro bono attorneys. It is designed to help nonprofits with requests for legal assistance on specific matters while offering pro bono opportunities for lawyers from diverse practice areas. The Legal Referral Program enhances the ability of community-based nonprofits to move forward with their missions, advised by legal counsel.
Pro bono attorneys assist with a variety of matters, including nonprofit formation, applying for determination of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, bylaws review, governance policies, written information security programs, website terms and conditions, consent forms, commercial real estate, contracts, employment law, trademark registration, reinstatement of 501(c)(3) status, mergers and dissolutions, and fiscal sponsorships.
Additional resources provided by Candid.org.
After a project is done with its 'Model A' fiscal sponsorship relationship, they need to become self-sufficient in managing their nonprofit program and resources. To help with this, Social Impact Commons has provided a basic checklist that outlines the steps necessary to launch the project as an independent organization.