Charity Therapy

Nov 28 2024 127 ep. 20 mins 12
Charity Therapy Podcast artwork

What if you could hang out with experienced nonprofit professionals and ask them your burning questions about the day-to-day life of nonprofits? What if you could take their wisdom and bring it back to your organization, for free? That's what we do on Charity Therapy. Hosted by Jess Birken - owner and lawyer at Birken Law Office. Every episode is an in-depth look at how to run a nonprofit, from fundraising to IRS woes to people problems and more! Our goal is to empower nonprofits to achieve your mission by doing things right.

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126: Unicorns and Rainbows and Care Bears | Giving Tuesday with Ephraim Gopin

Nov 28 2024 21 mins  
Hey there, nonprofit enthusiasts! In this episode of Charity Therapy, Jess is joined by her good friend and nonprofit fundraising guru, Ephraim Gopin, to chat about the highs and lows of Giving Tuesday and year-end fundraising. Spoiler alert: Ephraim isn’t the biggest fan of Giving Tuesday. We dive into listener questions, including one from someone whose Giving Tuesday campaign

125: True Crime Mukbangs | Understanding Scammy Nonprofits

Nov 14 2024 18 mins  
In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into the wild world where nonprofits and for-profit businesses collide. Ever wondered what happens when one person owns both a nonprofit and a business? Spoiler alert: it can get messy. We'll answer your burning questions about these murky waters, help you spot the red flags, and remind you why transparency is crucial. Plu

124: Oxford Comma Drama | The Role of a Nonprofit Board of Directors

Oct 31 2024 15 mins  
On this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving headfirst into the tricky world of nonprofit boards. You're not alone if you've ever wondered why your board seems more like a roadblock than a support system. We've got a juicy listener question from someone stuck with a board that feels more like a nagging boss than a helpful partner. Can you just ditch the board entirel

123: Take Off Those Donor Goggles | What to Do When Your IRS 1023 Application is Pending

Oct 17 2024 15 mins  
In this episode of Charity Therapy, my co-host Meghan and I are answering one of the top questions we get - what happens while an org’s nonprofit tax exempt status is pending? We know that the IRS application process for 501(c)(3) status can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops, so we're here to break it down for you. We'll chat about the differences between the 1023-EZ fo

122: Legal Mumbo Jumbo | How to Open a Bank Account for a Nonprofit Chapter

Oct 03 2024 13 mins  
Have you ever tried to open a bank account for your 501(c)(3) and felt like you were navigating a never-ending maze? Well, you're not alone! In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are here to make that process a whole lot simpler. We’re breaking down the essential steps, from getting all your paperwork in order to avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re a pro or just

121: You’re not a (Dill Pickle) Lemonade Stand | Founders’ Rights in Nonprofit Organizations

Sep 19 2024 13 mins  
In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are taking you on a wild ride from the wacky world of the Minnesota State Fair to the serious yet often misunderstood role of a nonprofit founder. We dive into the heart of the matter: what does it really means to start a nonprofit? Spoiler alert: unlike for-profits, it probably doesn’t mean any cash in your pocket. Intrigued? Stic

120: Reanimating the Zombie | How to Restart a Dissolved Nonprofit Organization

Sep 05 2024 18 mins  
Today, Meghan and I are diving deep into the early years of running a nonprofit – that tricky “danger zone” between one to three years where everything feels like it's falling apart. On this episode of Charity Therapy, we're chatting about how to tackle burnout, handle fundraising nightmares, and smooth out those internal squabbles that can really put a damper on things. Plus

119: How Do You Say Shower?! | Understanding DBAs and Assumed Names for Nonprofits

Aug 22 2024 12 mins  
On this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I cover the most important topic - the REAL differences between a Minnesotan and a Wisconsin accent! But don't worry. We quickly shift gears to talk about something really important for nonprofits: DBAs (Doing Business As). We answer a listener's question about juggling legal name changes and DBAs without making things overly complicat

118: Playing Fairy Godmother | Choosing a Successor Organization in a Nonprofit Dissolution

Aug 08 2024 14 mins  
Welcome to another episode of Charity Therapy! This time, Meghan and I dive into the emotional and often tricky process of nonprofit dissolution. It's a rollercoaster. We'll talk about what happens to leftover funds and how to make sure they go to the right places, respect donor wishes, and keep the nonprofit’s mission alive. Plus, we've got some advice for a former executive dir

117: Free Therapy for Wallabies | Political Activity for c3 Nonprofits & the Heritage Foundation

Jul 25 2024 21 mins  
Ever wondered what nonprofits can and can't do when it comes to politics? On today’s episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into the tricky world of political activities for 501c3 nonprofits. We'll chat about the dos and don'ts of voter engagement, why 501c3s can't endorse candidates, and how 501c4s have more wiggle room in the political arena. Plus, we touch on the