Charity Therapy

  How often do people's childhood dreams become reality? Considering how few astronauts there are in the world, I'd say it's pretty rare. But Therese Gruba made it happen. Therese is the co-founder of New Hope for Families, a faith-based nonprofit in northern Minnesota that supports foster families, and she sat down with me to talk through her journey of making her dream a reality. Learn more abou...

If you're a nonprofit leader in 2020, you're probably taking another look at the org's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. It might be tempting to just add a diversity goal to your next strategic plan and call it a day - but that doesn't address the real problem. My guest Reid Zimmerman sat down with me to discuss one of the secret causes for the lack of diversity in nonprofit organizations....

Jess and Meghan are joined again by Jim Hall to answer another round of nonprofit questions taken from the hallowed halls of Reddit. Is it illegal to break Roberts Rules at a board meeting? Is there a secret way to start a new nonprofit - without all the annual reporting? Can you stop someone from copying your nonprofit idea? Listen in to find out! Join me on Facebook Subscribe to my newsletter

If one word encapsulates 2020, I'd have to say it's uncertainty . Between a global pandemic, the reignited fight against police brutality and racism, a looming recession, and an upcoming presidential election, no one knows what 2021 will look like. That kind of uncertainty infects every aspect of your decision-making, in your life and in your work. I sat down with economist and statistician Shefal...

It's spring 2020, and everyone is feeling a little vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Whether you're a donor or a nonprofit, how can you trust those around you? Are your donation dollars actually going to charity? Are your organizational partners really in this to pursue your mission? I sat down with my friend and ethics attorney Eric Cooperstein to talk about two lawyer-nonprofit scandals yo...

Nonprofits tend to be pretty risk-averse. I mean, failing could mean losing donor confidence, right? But on the other hand, how can we expect to pursue our missions without trying new things? I sat down with Antonio Cardona from Pillsbury United Communities to talk about how nonprofits can take certain risks today to make a lasting difference in their communities. Join me on Facebook Subscribe to...

Missed out on the SBA disaster loans because they ran out of money? They're baaack! Congress funded more disaster relief again. In this episode small business accounting guru Dana DeZiel answers questions like Who can apply? Is your nonprofit eligible? Why would you NOT want to get one? Where can you apply? Find Dana https://www.supportingstrategies.com/bio-dana-deziel. Check out DivvyPay mentione...

With the coronavirus pandemic, things are changing every single day. It's easy to miss out on some of the updates. So, I called my friend and colleague Chad Staul to come and talk about the new paid leave laws that go into effect  today . Every small business, nonprofit or for-profit, with less than 500 employees should tune in - this affects you! •  Join me on Facebook •  Subscribe to my newslett...

As schools are called off for the rest of the year, toilet paper flies off the shelves, and shelter-in-place orders are announced, anxieties are high. Everyone is worried about money, jobs, health, and how to stay sane in the coming weeks. So, as a leader at a small nonprofit, how are you supposed to make decisions for the organization? Meghan and Jess meet up (virtually) to chat about how to get...

Is common sense enough to run a successful nonprofit? Spoiler alert: NO! That being said, a good dose of common sense certainly helps. In this episode, your hosts Jess and Meghan are joined by Jim Hall to talk through some thorny nonprofit questions, ranging from what happens when an org goes under to how to deal with tricky funders. Listen in and see whether your nonprofit common sense is up to s...

It's easy for nonprofits to fall into the habit of doing things just because that's "how they've always been done." But sometimes you have to disrupt the status quo to make new progress toward your mission. I sat down with Maria Huntley, ED of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians , to talk about how one big change can make all the difference. •  Join me on Facebook •  Subscribe to my newslet...

Running a nonprofit is no easy task. Thankfully, there are TONS of resources out there if you just know where to look. I sat down with Kris Kewitsch of the Charities Review Council to talk about what holds nonprofits back and how the Council's Accountability Standards can help YOU level up your nonprofit.  •  Join me on Facebook •  Subscribe to my newsletter

What do you do with a starry eyed young person who thinks they can go to law school and change the world? You let them interview you and tell them the long and winding road to working with nonprofits and government. It ain't easy! I had the random chance to interview Katlyn, who is hell bent on making a difference - who am I to stop her? But hopefully if you've ever thought "I'll go to law school...

Guest Amy Arcand of Willow Consulting joins your host Jess Birken to talk about what happens with people stop being polite and start getting real (LOL - you may be too young to get that joke) about firing their ED. How do you survive the aftermath? Amy is an expert Interm Executive Director and shares her story and her advice for nonprofit orgs going through an exec transition. •  Join me on Faceb...

Charitable giving is on the decline - big time. Studies now show that only 53% of Americans donate to charity. What does this mean and what do nonprofits need to focus on for the future? Are donations doomed? I talk with Steve Boland of Next In Nonprofits to find out his take.  •  Follow me on SoundCloud •  Join me on Facebook •  Subscribe to my newsletter

When is it time to give up and admit that it's just not working. In this episode Jess and the Birken Law team talk about giving up the ghost on a failed nonprofit; boards that throw in the towel; terminating problem members; an ED that needs to stop using her personal bank account; and, whether you should kill your volunteer program. •  Follow me on SoundCloud •  Join me on Facebook •  Subscribe t...

It's holiday time - the season for turkey, big retail deals and...charity donations! How do YOU decide who to give to? Does facebook tell you which  nonprofits are naughty and nice?  In this episode we talk about how nonprofits that succeed are often under fire from unfriendly elves. Be a seasonal smarty and listen to this one! • Join me on Facebook •  Subscribe to my newsletter

In this episode of Charity Therapy, we're taking on the tricky world of conflicts of interest in the nonprofit sector. Have you ever wondered if having family or friends on your board is okay or whether hiring a board member's offspring to build your website might raise some eyebrows? Don't fret - you're not alone! We're all about busting myths and providing clear, simple information on this often...

Welcome, folks! You're tuning into our very first episode of the Charity Therapy podcast. I'm your host, Jess Birken, attorney and the owner at Birken Law Office, and I'm joined by my super cool co-host and wing woman, Meghan. I've worked in the nonprofit sector for most of my professional life, and I can't wait to share it all with you. You know - the ups, downs, and those pesky curveballs - that...