Affiliate Status is Transitioning within Maryknoll

Becoming a nonprofit 501(c)(3)

Many of you reading this know that, as of December 31st of this year. Affiliates will separate from any formal relationship with the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers (the Society) that could make it appear that we are volunteer agents of the Society. That includes donated Affiliate funds held in the custody of the Society as well as the Executive Coordinator position as an employee. In an increasingly litigious world, this move was primarily done to protect the Society from any possible legal jeopardy. Thankfully, there has been no litigations brought against any Affiliate in our 30+ year history.

While we will very much remain part of and welcomed by the other three expressions in the Maryknoll family, we recognize that we need to change our legal status. Three options were before us: 1. Stay as an unincorporated nonprofit association; 2. Merge with the Lay Missioners (MKLM); 3. Seek status as an incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

After substantial and thoughtful debate, last week, the Affiliate Board determined that # 3 – incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit - was the best pathway. Merger with MKLM was viewed as the 2nd most indicated route and that is still an option in the future. However, given that merger with MKLM was projected to take a long time, the Board opted for a 501(c)(3). It offers several benefits. Additionally, all the other Maryknoll expressions are 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

Reading all the details about a 501(c)(3) will not make your heart beat faster. And frankly, this separation has been a difficult reality to accept at times. Yet, there are several advantages in going this route. Among them, it provides independence to expand our scope and, with that, new energy and commitment can follow. There are also concrete business advantages, such as:   

1) Establishing credibility and enhancing our nonprofit trustworthiness 2) providing a tax exemption and accepting tax-deductible donations 3) Getting limited Personal liability insurance 4) Having access to discounts

 Obtaining this 501(c)(3) status could take several months. In the interim the projected plan is, if the MKLM Board approves, to temporarily have Affiliate funds and the Executive Coordinator position be under MKLM. We are very grateful for this offer from MKLM.

The essence of who we are and the 4 pillars we embrace will not change. In a world that seems filled with darkness in so many areas, we continue to walk in the Light.