Charity Therapy

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...

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...