It has been a busy few months since our successful GoFundMe appeal that began in July 2024. Over $5600 US has been raised, thanks to the generosity of 57 O’Donovans and supporters.
The fund was established to create two O’Donovan legal entities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation in North America and a CLG (Company Limited by Guarantee) in Ireland.
We have embarked on the long road to filing applications in both countries — with more turns and detours than imagined! Research and due diligence are required in many areas, among them:
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Survey models of other clan association formats (both Irish and Scottish) so that our organizations’ forms will be sustainable over time;
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Understand how successful non-profit social and charitable organizations in the U.S. and Ireland are structured;
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Research models for required mission and purpose statements, as well as goals, objectives (objects in CLG parlance) and strategic plans;
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Delineate Membership eligibility criteria and codes of conduct;
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Ensure that components of filings as required by one or both governments are rendered consistently, and clearly reflect our initial and prospective activities and plans;
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Survey the Bylaws of several non-profit and charitable organizations to draft preliminary Bylaws as required by U.S. regulations.
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Create record systems for income and outflow of funds and annual financial reporting requirements for each country (profit and loss statements).
In the interest of expediency, decisions at the outset have had to be made by a small cohort of volunteers. Initial filings, particularly regarding Bylaws, can be discussed, amended and voted upon by members over the new few years. More input will also be sought going forward, in terms of strategic planning, development of committees and interest groups, and more.
Thanks to all who have assisted in our efforts so far. We will continue to share news of progress on the application filings, and to solicit input from O’Donovans as we position ourselves for the future as a proud and noble family.
