Charity Therapy

Today, we're diving deep into the world of nonprofit financial audits with my amazing guest, Peter Farstad. Peter is a pro when it comes to nonprofit finance, and he's here to help us unravel the sometimes scary world of audits and financial transparency. We know how daunting those big, scary financial statements can seem, especially if you're a Minnesota nonprofit pulling in over $750,000 a year....

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 didn't quite hit t...

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. Plus, we'll chat ab...

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 entirely? Spoiler alert...

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 form and the full 10...

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 getting your nonpro...

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? Stick around to find o...

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, we'll be answering a...

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 complicated. Trust me, yo...

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 director wrestling wi...

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 buzz around the He...

In this episode of Charity Therapy, we're diving deep into nonprofit finances to help you safeguard your organization from fraud. We'll walk you through essential internal controls like segregation of duties, setting up a budget, and making sure transactions get a second set of eyes. Trust me, even if your team feels like family, these steps are crucial to keep everything above board. We also shar...

What really goes into shutting down a nonprofit? In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I explore the emotional and legal rollercoaster of nonprofit dissolution. We kick things off by exploring the tricky differences between closing a nonprofit versus a for-profit business. Trust us—it's not as simple as just locking the doors. We even tackle a question from a listener about a struggling l...

Ever find yourself tangled in the mess of restricted donations and wondering how to keep everything legal and ethical? Well, you're in luck! In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are here to help you navigate the tricky world of restricted funds with a whole lot of laughter and practical advice. We start with some hilarious stories about my duck-raising adventures—yep, lots of duck eggs...

If you've ever felt like a deer in headlights when someone mentions grants, I'm here for you. In fact, I've got the guru of grant-getting, the scribe of success, Dalya Massachi herself, joining me on today's power-packed episode of Charity Therapy.  Nonprofit newbie or not, grant writing is super stressful. It's a skill that takes practice and time to get used to, and that doesn't happen overnight...

Today we've got an episode from the backlist featuring one of our favorite guests, T. Clay Buck from TCB Fundraising! Clay and I dive into the nerdy goodness of data and systems for fundraising success. Clay dropped some serious knowledge bombs about the power of a solid fundraising plan and the need to keep it real with your donors. We tackle a listener's dilemma about getting their board involve...

On this episode of Charity Therapy, we're gonna break down the often confusing world of IRS status for 501(c)(3) nonprofits. We know, taxes? Yawn, right? But stick with us because we'll make it as painless as a Band-Aid on a teddy bear. We'll dig into the difference between public charities and private foundations and spill the beans on why "tax-exempt" doesn't mean you can ghost the IRS on other...

Ever thought running a charity is all about helping people and feeling good? Strap in because Meghan and I are about to take you on a wild ride through the real ins and outs of starting and keeping a nonprofit afloat. Spoiler alert: it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There are hoops to jump through and some pretty sticky rules that can trip you up. But don't worry. We're here to help you through...

I'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 th...

Today 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 wi...

Jess 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)(...

You'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...

Have 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, rig...

Today 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...

Today, 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 f...