Katy's Run and Charity Status

This past weekend Katy participated in a charity run with women from all across Ireland. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is an annual 10k where women can sign up to run on behalf of their favourite charity. Katy and two other Zoe volunteers ran this year representing Zoe Community. They each had an amazing run and great day together. We’re so excited to continue representing Zoe in these types of events creating awareness and building relationships.

To update you on our charity status…

The latest news from our solicitor (lawyer) is that the Charity Regulator still has not responded. It has been six months since we responded to their last set of questions. I’m not sure how much I am able to share, but I can tell you our options are getting fewer and fewer. We hope not to have to take any legal action. We do not want our first appearance to the general public anything negative.

We are praying for favour and an open door to fully approved charity status. We’re so grateful that you are all praying for us too.

7 Days

May marks 40 months that we have been waiting for approval as a recognized charity in Ireland. We are still waiting to hear from the Irish Charity Regulator. Our solicitor had sent them a letter pushing for a decision. Still we have received no response. Last week, he informed us he would be sending a letter stating they have seven days to respond. Afterward, I’m not sure what will happen. But I’m guessing he’ll file a formal complaint of some kind.

The good news is that even if they decline us, we can appeal. And only two charities have ever been denied at the appeals stage. So we are optimistic, but still waiting. We are hoping for an immediate approval, but we know God will prepare the path ahead of us. I’ll share any news with you as soon as we hear.

Thank you so much for your prayers. We will complete this journey together!

PRAY - Big Week for Charity Status

This is a big week for us regarding charity status. As many of you know, we’re not three years into our journey applying for charity status. In these three years, we've had friends and partner organisations fly through the process comparatively. It's been a painful waiting period. Waiting and waiting is always tough.

Our lawyer informed us last week of his suspicions that someone inside the charity regulator’s office is hostile to what we are trying to do. They seem to be dragging their feet (more than normal).

This week our lawyer will be approaching them to push for a decision. This could go one of two ways.

1. They may reluctantly agree with a few final stipulations. This is the best case scenario.

2. They may deny us, in which case we would proceed to appeal their decision. A very large percentage of charities who appeal end up with a favorable decision. However, it’s still not the ideal way we would like to receive our approval.

Please be in prayer this week. I’m not sure if we’ll have any news immediately as they usually take at least a month to reply to any emails or communications. We will keep you posted.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support. We’re believing God for an open door!