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Advancing Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Blank Rome helps local small business owners and nonprofit leaders identify and then address key legal issues that may impact their success . In 2022 , our firm partnered with various organizations to provide small business trainings and webinars , in addition to handling multiple pro bono matters .
Attorney Helps Update the ABA ’ s Model Nonprofit Corporation Act
Lawrence “ Larry ” J . Beaser spent the last five years leading a successful effort to revise the American Bar Association ’ s (“ ABA ”) Model Nonprofit Corporation Act . The Model Act ’ s 4th Edition — a model statute governing all types of nonprofit corporations proposed for adoption by state legislatures — has now been published . The ABA will endeavor to have states consider adoption of this revised model statute . As part of this effort , Larry served as pro bono chair of the ABA ’ s Model Nonprofit Corporation Act Drafting Task Force and as chair of its Model Act Subcommittee .
Blank Rome Assists with Nonprofit Hopeworks ’ Expansion
Founded in 1999 , Hopeworks started as a modest job training program for youth in North Camden , New Jersey , moved to downtown Camden in 2018 , and opened a second location in Philadelphia in December 2022 . Hopeworks has trained and found living-wage entry-level jobs for 1,000 web designers , geographic information system analysts , and other budding professionals — most of them young people of color — since 2000 . The nonprofit organization expects to double the number of young people it can help with the addition of its new Philadelphia training center .
A Blank Rome team of attorneys , which includes Daniel E . Rhynhart , Louis M . Rappaport , Stephanie Gantman Kaplan , Brooke T . Iley , Jason E . Reisman , Asima J . Ahmad , and Joshua L . Broderson , has provided nearly 350 hours of pro bono service to Hopeworks over the years , including all of the legal work related to their new Philadelphia location . Louis has provided their corporate work ; Stephanie , Brooke , Jason , and Asima their labor and employment work ; and Joshua their real estate work . In addition , Jillian R . Zvolensky , an attorney in our Finance group , recently volunteered with Compass on a major study and growth strategy for Hopeworks .
Blank Rome Attorney Supports Organizations Bringing Nature to Urban Philadelphia Terry M . Henry Joseph P . Crane
Melanie S . Carter
Terry M . Henry leads a team that provides general legal support to two unique nonprofit organizations : the Philly Goat Project , a group that brings goats to visit urban areas to build community and create educational opportunities , and Philly Forests , which grows trees , shrubs , and perennial plants for free distribution to areas with the city ’ s lowest tree-canopy . Terry , with Joseph P . Crane , helped the organizations establish their organizational principals and operating standards . He has also negotiated their lease agreements and reviewed and drafted contracts , releases , and other important documents , ensuring the organizations ’ rights are protected , their obligations are well defined , and their exposure to potential liability is appropriately limited . Melanie S . Carter helped Philly Goat Project to be designated as a 501 ( c )( 3 ) nonprofit . 20 • PRO BONO REPORT & COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT