Inspiration
/
Innovate Europe Foundation
A group of startup visionaries wants to build a non-profit organization that advocates for Europe's technological sovereignty. Commitments from major donors are already on the table. But founding a gUG (non-profit LLC) takes time – and no one knows exactly how long. How do you accept donations when you are not yet an organization?
Summer 2025
Foundation started on bcause – even before the founding of the gUG
100%
of the committed funds tax-effectively donated in the same tax year
Current income
on uncalled funds by bcause grow
A group of startup visionaries wants to build a non-profit organization that advocates for Europe's technological sovereignty. Commitments from major donors are on the table. But founding a gUG takes time – and no one knows exactly how long.
How do you accept donations when you are not yet an organization?
The Challenge
Clark Parsons and his team have a clear mission and serious supporters. But in Germany, there is a long road between the idea and recognized non-profit status – notary, tax office, waiting times. Anyone who already has donation commitments in this phase faces a structural problem:
Without non-profit recognition, no donation receipts can be issued
Without donation receipts, major donors pull out or the donation does not count for tax purposes in the desired year
Setting up an interim solution hosts time, money, and nerves that the team does not have
The Solution
Clark launches a Foundation on bcause in the summer of 2025 – under the name of the planned organization. This allows him to immediately:
Issue donation receipts under German law that are valid for the current tax year
Safely hold funds until the gUG is officially recognized
Generate returns with bcause grow while the money is in the account – with zero investment risk
When the Innovate Europe Foundation gUG is recognized in early 2026, Clark withdraws exactly the funds he needs at that moment. The rest remains in the bcause account. Continuing to earn interest, available at any time.
"[Placeholder for quote from Clark Parsons]"Clark Parsons, Managing Director, Innovate Europe Foundation
The Result
No lost tax year for the donors. No pressure to withdraw funds too early. And an organization that is professionally positioned right from the start, even before it officially exists.
Ongoing returns
Are you still in the founding phase and want to start accepting donations with receipts anyway?
Organizations in incorporation cannot register themselves easily – contact us directly.
