Mountain2Mountain
Issue: Weber Law’s client, Mountain2Mountain (“M2M”) is an international nonprofit that had reached a crucial tipping point after experiencing large-scale growth in the first two years after it obtained its 501 (c) 3 designation. Like many young nonprofits, particularly in the current economic climate, M2M is operating at critical mass while facing severe funding and staffing limitations. Our ongoing work with M2M includes creative solutions to maintain sustained organizational growth and project expansion and cost-effective ways to supplement M2M’s inability to finance a full-time staff. Given the fact that the organization operates internationally in conflict regions M2M is also facing increasing liability issues and needs to remain compliant with state and federal regulations to maintain its tax-exempt status.
Solution: We have created a range of strategic solutions to the range of complex challenges at M2M, all while respecting an organization’s individual personality and goals. Megan Weber serves as General Counsel and acts as M2M’s Registered Agent. She manages all filing requirements, operating agreements and all matters associated with risk management and liability. Registration as an in-country NGO is underway in Afghanistan.
Megan recognized that M2M needed to find ways to increase operating efficiency, while continuing to harness its unique and compelling characteristics. Working with the TEN|10 Group, the entire D&W team initiated a full-scale organizational restructuring and rebranding effort. Megan created new voting and working boards to strengthen internal governance and broaden the organization’s committed team and workforce. Megan, Corinne Domahidy and TEN|10 worked together to help M2M refocus and realign the organization’s mission, vision and operating structure and create a broad strategic plan for sustainable growth. Finally, Megan and Corinne helped build and grow a national volunteer network.
Outcome: The newly invigorated organization has a fresh new logo and tagline as well as updated marketing materials that reflect the organization’s growth and it’s bold new vision and mission statements. Phase One of a comprehensive new website will launch soon. The organization has implemented specific new operating strategies and policies that speak to its remarkable growth and plans for future expansion. M2M is on the verge of making the leap from a struggling start-up to a sustainable mid-scale nonprofit.
