Establishing a Nonprofit Association in Belgium

Pro Publico connected a network of young leaders in Brussels with the legal expertise of Dentons’ Partner Laurens Engelen to explore their options for establishing a nonprofit entity in Belgium.

The Cause: Empowering Youth-Led Change Through Legal Structure

A group of young leaders connected in an informal network considered to formalise their legal status in Belgium to gain a formal structure, and therefore access to tax exemptions and potential funding sources, together with an increased credibility while ensuring their volunteer-based ethos was upheld. To meet this need, this network required legal guidance to determine if establishing a nonprofit was indeed the necessary fit for their Brussels-based activities.

An Informal Network of Volunteers with A Decade of Impact

For over a decade this group of young volunteers has been able to renew itself while actively engaging in projects focused on mental health, empowerment of underprivileged categories and sustainability. With a large group of dedicated volunteers originary from all around the world, they organise initiatives connecting young leaders with policymakers and industry experts.

Dentons: A Partner for Pro Bono Publico Legal Support

Pro Publico matched them with Laurens Engelen from Dentons, a well-respected international law firm known for its commitment to social causes. Engelen provided pro bono guidance, addressing the group’s questions about ASBL and AISBL statuses, nonprofit responsibilities and the benefits of international recognition. Through an informative meeting and follow-up explanations, he clarified that while an ASBL might streamline operations, an AISBL could offer enhanced international standing which might be an important consideration for their network’s cross-border impact.

Results: Informed Decision-Making for Future Growth

Ultimately, the guidance provided by Dentons helped the group make an informed decision about their legal pathway and while their conclusion was that establishing a formal structure is not needed at this point, they now have a deeper understanding of their options when formalisation might be actually needed.

Through Pro Publico’s matchmaking and Dentons’ expertise, this informal network gained insights that will shape their future endeavours as they continue empowering youth and impacting Brussels and beyond.

To learn more about establishing a nonprofit or request pro bono assistance, reach out to Pro Publico.

Thanks to @Dentons @Laurens Engelen @ProPublico @Francesco Zatelli

#NonprofitEstablishment #ProBonoPublico #YouthEmpowerment #LegalSupport #ProPublicoMatchmaking #Dentons #ImpactfulChange #YouthLeadership #SocialImpact #SustainableDevelopment #LegalAdvice #NGOFormation