Purpose Trust Structure
As a founder, your commitment to your purpose has shaped every facet of your business. You understand that your organization is more than a collection of transactions; it embodies a vision that impacts lives, communities, and industries. As you consider the future, it’s crucial to ensure that the inspiring purpose of your business not only persists but the structure enables it to thrive.
The Perpetual Purpose Trust structure is an innovative solution designed specifically for owners like you. This approach enables you to create a lasting legacy by safeguarding your mission and values, ensuring they remain at the forefront of your business long after you’ve stepped away. With this trust, you can establish clear guidelines that dictate how your business should operate, keeping the original vision intact and steering future leaders toward the objectives you hold dear.
By adopting a Perpetual Purpose Trust, you actively transform your business into a vehicle for social good, one that prioritizes impact over profit in perpetuity. This structure not only protects your values but also attracts like-minded stakeholders who are committed to upholding your mission. In doing so, you create an enduring ecosystem that empowers future generations to contribute to your vision.
As you contemplate your next steps, consider how you can harness the power of a Perpetual Purpose Trust to honor your commitment to purpose-driven enterprise. Your legacy is not just what you leave behind; it’s the ongoing impact of your mission that will resonate for years to come. Take the necessary actions now to ensure that your passion continues to inspire and drive change, long into the future.
“Perpetual Purpose Trust ownership is a great option to consider for succession to assure that the mission and culture of a business remain paramount."
George Seimon, Trust Committee Member of the Sustainable Food & Agriculture PPT and founder of Organic Valley.
“Through a purpose trust, a business owner can ensure that the business they worked so hard to build will be carried on for the benefit of the people, communities, and causes they care about.”
Melissa Scholz, Principal of Scholz Nonprofit Law
Your Partner at Every Step of the Process
in Becoming a Perpetual Purpose Trust
First Step:
Is my business right for a Perpetual Purpose Trust?
“To begin, begin.”
The first step is a no-pressure conversation, where we’ll explore what Purpose Trust ownership could look like for your business. Whether you’re planning for succession now or looking to stay involved in the company, we take the time to understand your specific goals, the needs of your stakeholders, and provide you with the information necessary to decide if the Purpose Trust ownership model is the right fit for you.
Second Step:
Is transitioning feasible for my business?
“Under each stone, insight.”
In the feasibility step, we dig deep to fully assess the viability and long-term fit of the transition to Purpose Trust ownership. We help you define the purpose of the Trust, identify individuals to serve as Trustees and qualify the right Trust Enforcer. We evaluate financing options and deal structures that match your needs and the needs of the business. And, we assess the timing of the transaction, business’ cash flow capabilities, and recapitalization plan to support the company’s future. This step is completed when you have a transition plan you feel confident will meet your needs and achieve your goals.
Third Step:
My business is ready to make the transition to a Perpetual Purpose Trust
“To be prepared is half the victory”
In this stage, we work with you to finalize the design of your Purpose Trust structure, ensuring a seamless and planful transition. This step includes defining the selling owner’s role—whether they choose to stay on as an employee or exit the business entirely. We’ll support any necessary management transitions, providing hands-on guidance, training, and support for leaders and employees throughout the process. We assist in negotiations, help solidify financing sources, and work closely with your legal advisors to finalize deal terms and prepare necessary documents. We ensure all parties—attorneys, CPAs, and trustees—are aligned and working together to execute a smooth transaction. At the end of this step you and your team are fully equipped for the transition to Purpose Trust ownership.
Fourth Step:
My business transitioned to a Perpetual Purpose Trust
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
This step draws to conclusion the pre-existing ownership structure and consciously begins Purpose Trust ownership. This is a moment of celebration, of closure. and new beginnings. In this step we bring all the stakeholders together as documents are signed and the transaction closes. We help you relish this time and embrace the next step together.
Fifth Step
My business is successfully
operating as a Perpetual Purpose Trust
“Walk to Run”
In the final step, we ensure you feel fully supported as we establish the systems needed for a flourishing Purpose Trust ownership culture. Tailored to your business’ unique needs, we provide hands-on guidance in managing change and internal communications, facilitating team engagement and alignment. We help you navigate public communications with media and branding strategies, so your transition is seamless both internally and externally. By the end of this stage, your team will be confident and fully equipped to operate successfully under the Purpose Trust ownership structure.
Let’s Have a Conversation
If you’re curious and interested in learning more. If you have more questions than answers. If you aren’t quite sure where to start. If you would rather jump right to the heart of what matters to you. Let’s talk.