Charity Therapy
121 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsWhat 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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Episodes
109: SMART Goals & Cans of Worms
April 04, 2024 08:00 - 16 minutes - 16 MBI've got a real treat for you in this episode of Charity Therapy. It's all about finding that sweet spot for your nonprofit's mission and vision without tripping over those pesky legal lines. Meghan and I dive into why your mission should feel like a finish line you can cross—not just some far-off dream you're chasing forever. We also get real about those missions that are so big and messy that they could keep you busy till the end of time. But don't worry—we're all about keeping it real a...
108: Clover the B | Navigating Tax Status and Exploring IRS Forms
March 21, 2024 08:00 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBToday on Charity Therapy, Meghan and I dive into the sometimes tricky and often murky waters of nonprofit tax exemption and financial compliance. Think of us as your guides on a thrilling trek through the IRS jungle, equipped with the know-how to tackle those intimidating forms 1023 and 1024. And yes, we'll even chat about my duck Clover's latest shenanigans – because why not mix a little quack with our quality advice? We're talking shop and celebrating a nonprofit that totally crushed its...
107: All Aboard the Struggle Bus!
March 07, 2024 09:00 - 25 minutes - 24 MBJess is coming at you with another episode that's gonna knock your grant-seeking socks off. In this episode of Charity Therapy, Jess is hanging out with the amazing Allison Welch, who's like a treasure hunter for grants, guiding us through the twists and turns of nonprofit funding. We're peeling back the curtain on that mysterious world of grant dollars, and it's not just about waving that 501(c)(3) magic wand and watching the money fall from the sky. We're getting down to the nitty-grit...
106: Down With the Golf Tournament
February 22, 2024 09:00 - 22 minutes - 41.3 MBYou're about to dive into a podcast episode that's gonna change the game for your nonprofit's events. On this episode of Charity Therapy, Alicia Baraga joins Jess, and she's the superstar behind Ripple Event Marketing. We're unpacking all the tips and tricks to create fundraising events that are as unique as your mission – and it's not just about throwing another boring gala. Jess and Alicia kick things off by chatting about the wildest events they’ve seen, from a beanbag tournament on ...
105: A Rose By Any Other Name…
February 08, 2024 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19.9 MBHave you ever thought about what your nonprofit looks like to the rest of the world? Well, buckle up because we're diving headfirst into the wild world of branding with Justin Bieganek. We're not just talking logos and colors; we're getting into the nitty-gritty of what makes your nonprofit tick and how to connect with people's hearts—not just their wallets. Picture this: You run a cat rescue, right? You've been all about giving older and disabled kitties a cozy place to land for years. ...
104: To Be or Not 2B?
January 25, 2024 09:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBToday on Charity Therapy, Jess shares some real talk about the wild world of nonprofit tax forms. Yeah, we know taxes can be a snooze fest, but stick with us! In this episode, we’re bringing on the legendary Eve Borenstein, who's basically the superhero of IRS Form 990. Together, we're tackling the crazy challenges you face with these forms and helping keep your nonprofit from getting lost in the IRS maze. Have you ever felt like pulling your hair out when dealing with the IRS? You're no...
103: Buddy Systems & Sitcom Jingles
January 11, 2024 09:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBToday, we're diving headfirst into the exciting world of nonprofit boards of directors - and specifically, how to bring in new board members! We know - it sounds like something only a paperwork-loving lawyer could adore, but stick with us. It's going to be fun! On this episode of Charity Therapy, we're peeling back the curtain to reveal how to get those new board members feeling like part of the family in no time. Trust us, it's a game-changer for your nonprofit's success! We've all seen...
102: Jiminy Cricket Reporting for Duty
December 28, 2023 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MBOn this episode of Charity Therapy, we’re digging deep into fundraising - specifically, how to do it ethically. If we’re going to be asking people for their hard-earned dollars, it’s important that we do it right, right?! Check out this episode to help make sure you're on the right side of the law, focusing on your mission, and keeping donor info private. We're dissecting the Association of Fundraising Professionals' code of ethics and tackling a sticky real-life situation from a listener...
101: The Tough Love Episode
December 14, 2023 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBWe’re back again with another episode and spilling the beans on a tricky, often overlooked concept - private benefit. You'll want to tune in as we break down what private benefit even IS, plus why it plays such a crucial role in nonprofit organizations. In this episode of Charity Therapy, we answer a listener's question about setting up a dog rescue on their personal property. It's a unique situation that opens up a can of worms about private benefit. We go in-depth about the potential ch...
100: A Twinkie for Your Brain
November 30, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBOn this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I dig deep into Founderitis, also known as Founder's Syndrome, in the world of nonprofits. As we answer a listener's question about balancing founder power and decision-making, we explore planning for a future that extends beyond a founder's tenure. Trust us - it's not about having absolute control but about sustaining your nonprofit's mission for the long haul! Navigating the nonprofit world can feel like crossing a minefield blindfolded, e...
099: Pump It Up!
November 16, 2023 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.8 MBOn this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I break down nonprofit bylaws and everyyyyything you didn’t even know you needed to know. Trust me - by the end of this episode, you'll be a nonprofit legal eagle! From the implications of not following bylaws to debunking common misconceptions, we're laying it all out there - and throwing in a good dose of humor along the way. We tackle a question from a listener who's a little unsure about the legal and ethical aspects of a decision made in ...
098: Politics Are Weird
November 02, 2023 08:00 - 12 minutes - 12.2 MBIn this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into the nitty-gritty of politics within the nonprofit world. Have you ever wondered if your nonprofit can hire someone running for local office? Well, a listener recently asked us that very question, and we’re ready to tackle it head-on. We're going to peel back the layers of rules and regulations and discuss the potential hurdles and solutions around this tricky subject. We're not stopping there, though. We'll also dive deep i...
097: Girl Scouts & Vocabulary Lessons
October 19, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBIn this episode of Charity Therapy, we’re diving deep into the mysterious realm of nonprofit chapters and affiliates. If you've ever been perplexed by the nonprofit world's labyrinth of structures and systems, we've got your back! Meghan and I will explain the crucial differences between chapters and affiliates (who knew they were different?!) and how they can intertwine in an intricate organizational matrix. In this journey through the nonprofit universe, we're going to tackle the quest...
096: This Ain’t the Hobbit!
October 05, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes - 17.7 MBIn this episode, we're tackling a BIG topic in the nonprofit world - how much should you do yourself vs hiring a professional? The nonprofit sector is FULL of DIYers, and sometimes that can get people into trouble. We've all had those moments where we've rolled up our sleeves and thought, "Sure, I can handle this!" But, when it comes to nonprofit work, sometimes that scrappy DIY spirit can lead to more harm than good. Don't worry. We’ve got plenty of stories to share (some funny, some a...
095: Meeting Skeletons
September 21, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 16.7 MBHey there, nonprofit party people! In this episode of Charity Therapy, we're back again, diving headfirst into a topic that sounds about as thrilling as watching paint dry: meeting minutes. But stick with us! This episode isn’t going to put you asleep, I promise! We will shine some much-needed light on the hidden power of these underrated documents in your nonprofit board governance. We start by addressing a listener's burning question: can technology-assisted recordings replace tradit...
094: The Anxiety Conga Line
September 07, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I bravely step into the IRS maze. Don't worry - we've got a flashlight and a sense of humor to guide us through! We talk about the unexpected humanity we found within the walls of this bureaucratic behemoth. We also unravel the often confusing and frustrating world of the IRS's automated systems, swapping anxiety for some much-needed clarity. In the second half, we take a deep dive into the world of nonprofit tax filing compliance. From...
093: Buses and Boats and RVs, Oh My!
August 24, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 22.5 MBHi there, fellow nonprofit champions! In this episode of Charity Therapy, we’re diving deep into the tangled world of strategic planning and how to lead a nonprofit team without losing your sanity. Our guest is Avi Olitzky, a rabbi-turned-nonprofit consultant, who’s an expert at guiding nonprofits through the process of creating a strategic plan that’s fresh, innovative, and tailored to your nonprofit. He breaks the process down into four key stages - discovery, synthesis, ideation, and o...
092: Red Flags & Lemonade Stands
August 10, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBHey there! Welcome back to another exciting episode of Charity Therapy! We’re diving into the complexities of moving a nonprofit organization this time. Yes, you heard that right - relocating an entire nonprofit. Sounds like a piece of cake, right? Well, not exactly. Even for the smallest nonprofits, it’s not as simple as finding a new address. In this episode, we tackle a listener's question about moving to a different state, and trying to take “their” nonprofit along with them (and wh...
Welcome to Charity Therapy!
July 27, 2023 17:25 - 4 minutes - 3.67 MBWhat 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 ...
091: My Life the Musical
July 27, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MBHey there! We are back again, and this time we’re delving into the nitty-gritty of growing a small team in the nonprofit sector. We've been through the ups and downs of growing our own team at Birken Law Office, and we're here to share our ups and downs. From building an organizational culture to adapting to changing group dynamics, we've got you covered! In this episode, we're tackling a question from a listener who's part of a faith-based social services ministry. They're dealing with ...
090: The Wisdom of a 14-Year-Old
July 13, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MBIt's me again--ready to challenge what you think you know about the nonprofit sector. In this episode, I invite my guest - my 14-year-old - Max, to take a deep dive into the world of nonprofit boards. We're pulling back the curtain to reveal the roles of board members and officers, including the president, treasurer, and secretary. We also get into the nitty-gritty of the legal implications of compensating these folks. I promise you, this episode will not only feed your curiosity but will ...
089: Midwestern Shame Spirals
June 22, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 17.2 MBIn this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I dive into the often-misunderstood world of conflicts of interest in nonprofits. What is a conflict, really? Is it a terrible, horrible, egregious situation to be avoided at all costs?! Hint: no! Not all conflicts are evil, and not everything people call a conflict of interest actually is one.. In this episode, you'll learn what to do (and what not to do) when a conflict of interest comes up in your nonprofit work. We’ll also tackle a listene...
Hitting the Hail on the Ned
June 08, 2023 08:00 - 15 minutes - 15.4 MBWhen you think about nonprofits, lots of different things come to mind - missions and visions, fundraising, hard-working staff, and strong communities. But do you know what most folks don’t think of? Efficiency. Today, Meghan and I are taking you on a journey into the (messy) world of nonprofit operations. Working for a nonprofit can be tough, where you’re always trying to do more with less. But there's a better way. Let's challenge the idea that you have to work crazy hours to get things ...
Money, Money, Money
May 25, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 18.7 MBIn this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I tackle another fundraising question - this time about dealing with difficult donors. This episode is a prime example of why it’s SO important to stay focused on your organization's mission, rather than bending to every whim of potential donors. Listen in as we share personal experiences of how being too accommodating to the folks with the big bucks can actually harm your nonprofit, and why it's crucial for organizations to have the courage to...
Don’t Sue Each Other!
May 12, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 41.2 MBEveryone wants to be an insider, right?! Well for nonprofits, that “insider” label can make things a little more complicated. Conflicts of interest have entered the chat! Can board members be hired to be the org’s Executive Director? What about hiring family members? When is an insider just too close for comfort? Meghan and I tackle one HUGE question getting into all the nitty-gritty, so don’t miss this one! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my Newsletter
One Giant Blooper
April 28, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 26 MBJoin us in the restricted section for the episode – the restricted gifts section, that is! Today, Jess and Meghan break down what a restricted gift is and what exactly it means for your financials to accept one. What happens if you can’t spend a restricted gift for the reason it was gifted? Can you just move money around? And what happens if you accept a restricted gift that maybe isn’t the best idea for the nonprofit? Tune in to get the 411 on restricted gifts, grants, and donations! Jo...
Fighting to the Death for Some PTO
April 14, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 40.5 MBOrganizational culture is what gets created when we’re busy doing EVERYTHING else. So, what do your fundraising practices say about your culture? We pulled this episode from the backlist because it deserves another moment in the spotlight! T Clay Buck, fundraising extraordinaire from TCB Fundraising, joins the pod to talk employee giving programs, org values, and so, so much more. · Download Ephraim Gopin’s e-book on Employee Giving · Join me on Facebook · Subscrib...
Magic Wands & Shiny New Toys
March 24, 2023 11:00 - 20 minutes - 38.8 MBTalking about fundraising can be overwhelming and FULL of jargon – but not when Patrick Kirby does it! Today we’re joined by Patrick of Do Good Better Consulting to answer your nonprofit fundraising questions. How do we make sure marketing efforts turn into actual dollars? Are cold calls really worth the time? And how the heck do we feel about the end of Amazon Smile? Don’t miss this episode! Check out the Do Good Better Podcast Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter
Let’s Keep This Private
March 10, 2023 11:00 - 20 minutes - 29.8 MBThe nonprofit world throws out that “501(c)(3)” moniker left and right – but what does that really mean? The IRS doesn’t always communicate in ways the average person can (or should!) understand. So let’s break it down – what are you really exempt from when you’re tax exempt? What’s the difference between a c3 public charity and a c3 private foundation? Tune in to find out!
Follow the Money
February 24, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 40.7 MBJust because your organization is striving to do good, thatdoesn’tmean you’re exempt from having todeal with trolls and scammers. There’s no scam exemption application you can file! So, what can YOU doto make sure the nonprofit is protected? Tune into this episode where Meghan and I break down a fewcommon scams thattarget nonprofits and how to outsmart the fraudsters.
It’s Like an Onion
February 10, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 43.4 MBExecutive committees – what should they really do anyway? Spoiler alert – not as much as you think! Some nonprofit boards have a nasty habit of relying on an executive committee to be the board within the board, and that can lead to a culture disaster. In this episode, Jess and Meghan hear from questioners on both sides of this messy governance dynamic. Don’t miss one! Check out our DIY Bylaws Tool Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter
TLDR: Y’all Need Protection!
January 27, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 33.3 MBYou can’t (and shouldn’t!) envision every bad thing that might happen at a nonprofit. Nobody’s got time for that! But you do need to be prepared and protected – and that means insurance! We’re pulling this episode out of our backlist where insurance broker Tom Wertish of Options Insurance answers allllll your burning insurance questions. What kind of insurance do you need to cover volunteers or 1099 contractors? Plus – are your contractors even contractors in the first place?? Don’t miss thi...
Periods of Baldness
January 13, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 37.3 MBThere’s this phrase “no man is an island.” Well, guess what – no nonprofit is an island, either. In this episode, we’re talking about the different ways people try to hack the board of directors and hoard all the control over the organization for themselves. Spoiler alert – it doesn’t turn out too well. Tune in to this episode to hear about what can happen when people treat nonprofits like their own tax-deductible dictatorships. Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my Newsletter
Making Ch-ch-ch-changes!
December 23, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 25.6 MBNo one gets into nonprofit work because they LOVE all the paperwork, but that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from doing it (sorry!). There are some core documents that every nonprofit needs to keep up with – especially when you’re growing and evolving. So think about it – do you know where your articles and bylaws are? AND what they say? Tune in to learn why this is so important! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my Newsletter
Size Matters
December 09, 2022 11:00 - 20 minutes - 38.3 MBNonprofits need to have a board - but how is that board supposed to make decisions? Today, we're getting into your board questions, all about redonk quorums, bureaucratic nightmares, and absentee board members. You don't want to miss this one! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my Newsletter
Two Thumbs Down
November 25, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 38.6 MBTis the season for… Giving Tuesday! The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, every nonprofit you’ve ever thought about will be contacting you about giving to their Giving Tuesday campaign. But should they? We’re bringing our episode with Ephraim Gopin of 1832 Communications to cover the good, bad, and ugly about Giving Tuesday and year-end giving. Tune in!! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my Newsletter
Onto the Next Chapter!
November 11, 2022 10:00 - 19 minutes - 37 MBWe’ve got a vocab lesson for you today – what’s the difference between a nonprofit chapter and a nonprofit affiliate? I don't blame you if you don't know - most people use those words interchangeably! How can you tell the difference, and why does it matter? In this episode, Meghan and I break it all this down and more, all in pursuit of the big question – should you stay a chapter or not? Don’t miss this episode! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter
Ghouls and Goblins Unite!
October 28, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 32.3 MBHang tight – we’re going alllll the way back to our very first episode for this special Halloween celebration! Jordan Couch, lawyer from Tacoma and friend of the pod, came on to answer some ~spooky~ nonprofit questions and brainstorm Halloween puns. Are you haunted by unfinished business at your nonprofit? Spooked about witchy board members? Don’t miss this one! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter
Join Me on my Soapbox
October 14, 2022 10:00 - 12 minutes - 13.2 MBWe’re reviving a fan favorite for this episode, so roll up your sleeves and dust off that old book of parliamentary procedures. Do nonprofits legally need to follow Robert’s Rules of Order in their board meetings? That’s a quick answer – NO. Tune into this episode to hear all the ways Robert’s Rules can get in the way of your governance. Grab a copy of my Nonprofit Board Meeting Survival Guide. Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter
It’s a Burner-Outer
September 23, 2022 19:37 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBWhen you think about fundraising, lots of us think about DOLLARS. It’s all about raising that revenue, dollar by dollar, right? But what if we changed the way we think about fundraising altogether? This week’s guest, Noah Gerding, fundraiser extraordinaire, breaks down how the best way to increase those dollars is to focus instead on the relationships. Tune to hear about what you should do to reliably raise revenues and how to track what REALLY matters! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my...
Here Comes the Drama Sh#tstorm
September 09, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 42.4 MBNo matter what kind of nonprofit you run, it all depends on the people. Board, staff, volunteers, program participants, partners – it’s humans involved that make the mission delivery happen. But where humans are involved, drama follows! What happens when the folks involved in the nonprofit do bad things? What do you do when you uncover fraud, prior convictions, assault, or other unsavory things in your community? And how do make sure the organization weathers the storm? Don’t miss this episo...
Survey Says…
August 26, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 41.3 MBThere are several different topics in the nonprofit sector that can reliably kick up some drama, and today we’re talking about a big one – executive compensation. How much money should a nonprofit leader be paid? How much is too much, or too little? And what the heck is a “rebuttable presumption of reasonableness”??? Tune into this episode for some mild rants and lots of good info about paying your people. Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter!
Let’s Get Existential
August 12, 2022 10:00 - 18 minutes - 35.6 MBShutting down a nonprofit organization is a whole messy process – from the legal requirements to the emotional impact, there’s a lot to consider. Meghan and I teamed up for this episode to answer your questions about nonprofit dissolution. When do you know it’s time to dissolve? What happens if you actually accomplish your mission? What do you do with leftover money? Tune in, and let’s get existential!
Screaming into the Void
July 22, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 49.5 MBSocial media for nonprofits – is it a huge opportunity, or just another task to add to your growing to-do list? I invited nonprofit social media consultant Julia Campbell to join me on this episode to talk all things social. Do you NEED an account on every single platform? What’s the difference between a social platform being active versus actually effective? How can you leverage a big audience online? You won’t want to miss this! Check out Julia’s books on social media for nonprofits Joi...
Welcome to Survivor Island
July 08, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 45.6 MBIf your nonprofit has voting members, that means your members have REAL LEGAL standing and rights. So, what happens when things go sideways with a voting member? Membership association expert and CEO of Management HQ Dara Rudick joined me to answer all your thorny member questions! Can you remove a member from the nonprofit? What happens when the entire membership is divided into two warring factions? Tune in to find out! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter!
There Definitely Won’t Be Bears
June 24, 2022 10:00 - 27 minutes - 50.7 MBFundraising – every nonprofit needs to do it, but not everyone knows how to do it. That’s why Simon Scriver from Fundraising Everywhere and Everywhere+ joined me for this episode! We answer nonprofit questions about virtual events, whether “everyone is a fundraiser,” and how to change the perception of fundraisers in the sector. And I cannot make any promises about bears! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter!
Perpetual Burnout Machine
June 10, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 49.8 MBLots of people assume that because nonprofits do good work, they must be a GREAT place to work. But here’s the thing – the nonprofit sector is far from perfect, and there are unique issues that can tank a nonprofit’s culture. Rickesh Lakhani, ED of Future Possibilities for Kids, helps me tackle listener questions about how to cope with a bad culture at your nonprofit workplace. Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter!
The Dark Side of Donations
May 27, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 27.3 MBWe’re all focused on the goals and dollars when it comes to fundraising, but what about the paperwork? That’s why I invited Warren Harmon from URS Compliance to join me on this episode. Warren helps nonprofits get compliant when fundraising, no matter what state they’re in. What do you need to know when you add that “Donate Now” button to your website? What do you do when you forget to file your renewals? How many states do you actually need a license to fundraise in? Tune in to learn more!...
Ernest Goes to the IRS!
May 13, 2022 11:00 - 28 minutes - 52 MBLet’s be real - the IRS basically has its own language. I mean, even attorneys and CPAs find it confusing! Eve Borenstein, my hero and Queen of the 990, joins me on this episode to help us normal folks understand what we really need to know about the IRS. You may be thinking the IRS is boring….TRUST ME! Eve is the only person who can make it fun! Tune in to find out why the 990 is your best PR tool, what do you do when get mistaken penalty letters from IRS, what the public support test mean...
April Showers bring May 990s
April 22, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MBIt’s April and we’re in the thick of another 990 season – meaning the IRS wants to know how you’re spending your funds! We’re reviving this episode to answer your burning questions about 990s. What do you do if you find out you’ve been doing your 990s wrong? Or even worse, not doing them at all? Tune in to find out! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my Newsletter