At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we take great pride in the dedication our attorneys bring to their clients. One of the most impactful stories that exemplifies this is the work Martin D. Hauptman, Esq., CPA, has done with Diamond Mine Academy, a nonprofit co-founded by Kintu Martin Cowart, COO, which is committed to addressing the severe humanitarian crisis facing LGBTQ individuals in East Africa due to Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. This law criminalizes homosexuality, making it punishable by death, and has led to widespread fear and persecution among LGBTQ communities.
Recognizing the need to secure 501(c)(3) status to expand their fundraising efforts and increase their impact, Diamond Mine Academy turned to Mandelbaum Barrett PC for legal guidance. The organization relied on Martin’s experience to navigate the complexities of the tax-exempt application process.
Thanks to Martin’s dedicated legal assistance, Diamond Mine Academy successfully obtained 501(c)(3) approval. This achievement enabled the nonprofit to unlock new opportunities for raising crucial funds to support their mission. With this approval in place, Diamond Mine Academy quickly launched a micro-funding initiative, providing small business owners in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Zambia with essential startup capital to foster sustainable livelihoods.
In just a few weeks, the impact has been profound. The micro-funding program not only supports economic independence but also offers hope and resilience to some of the most marginalized communities in East Africa. By empowering small business owners, Diamond Mine Academy is creating a ripple effect of positive change, one individual and one community at a time.
To learn more about Diamond Mine Academy’s vital work and their micro-funding initiative, visit www.diamondmineacademy.org.