NONPROFIT SERVICES

The MVLS Community Development Project helps community-based nonprofits who need advice with business/transactional legal matters by matching them with an experienced volunteer lawyer. 

The Community Development Project is funded in part by the generous support of The Bank of American Charitable Foundation, LaVerna Hahn Charitable Trust, and E.C. Wareheim Foundation.

Eligibility

To be matched with a volunteer lawyer, the nonprofit must meet the following description:

• A community-based nonprofit whose charitable mission is focused on strengthening a low- to moderate-income community in Maryland.
• Does not have the resources to pay for legal help without harming the ability to provide services to the organization's constituents. 
• Operating for at least one year with some funding in place (startup organizations are ineligible). 
• Have a legal issue that's transactional in nature.  We are not able to assist with filing a lawsuit or defending against a lawsuit that has been filed, although we can provide advice on protecting your nonprofit from being sued. 

How to apply

• Call 443-451-4064 to determine eligibility. 
• Complete an application form
• Once we determine eligibility based on the organization's mission, budget and legal issue, and have received a completed application form, we will begin working on matching the nonprofit with a volunteer attorney. 

Geographic Area

Nonprofits throughout Maryland are eligible.