Charity Therapy

On 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 Fundr...

We'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 situa...

On 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...

On 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 fr...

In 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 so...

In 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 organizati...

In 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 t...

Hey 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...

In 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 th...

Hi 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 nonp...

Hey 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 abo...

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 fu...

Hey 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...

It'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 com...

In 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 t...

When 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 t...

In 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...

Everyone 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 mis...

Join 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 i...

Organizational 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. ·        Downlo...

Talking 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! Chec...

The 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!

Just 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.  

Executive 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 Too...

You 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 10...