Charity Therapy

So you're a charity grounded in religious values. Does that make you a church in the eyes of the IRS? Meghan and I dig into a listener question that had me doing a genuine double take. A religious nonprofit submitted the 1023-EZ short form and got rejected because the IRS decided they were a church. What gives?! Real Listener Question: "The IRS rejected our 1023-EZ because they think we are a church, which would require the full 1023 form. But we are not a church. We are a religious organization. How do I fix the application to get them to accept our 1023-EZ?" Meghan and I break down the key difference between a church and a religious nonprofit, why the IRS treats them differently, and what this listener may have done wrong on their application. Plus you'll get a classic Jess Birken rant about why the IRS doesn't make any sense! What You'll Learn: How the IRS defines a church versus a religious nonprofit organization How churches file (or don't file) for their tax-exempt status How religious charities are treated differently than churches, mosques, temples, etc. The most common mistakes people make on the 1023-EZ that trigger a rejection How one wrong checkbox or one poorly worded sentence can get your application flagged How to fix your application and get it into the right bucket Bottom line: The IRS puts churches and religious nonprofits in different buckets. Knowing which one you are and how to say it on your application makes all the difference. Resources from this Episode See the eligibility worksheet for Form 1023-EZ: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1023ez.pdf File using our Do-It-Yourself 1023-EZ Tool: https://birkenlaw.com/diy-1023-ez Watch the Righteous Gemstones: https://www.hbomax.com/shows/righteous-gemstones/c3bd0a34-c4ce-4ca5-bd6c-820df7340671 Previous Episode: Are Nonprofit Startup Costs Tax-Deductible Donations for the Founder? https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct162-nonprofit-startup-costs Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT163_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Your nonprofit is doing real work, but do your financials show it? In this episode, Meghan and I tackle a listener question from a small nonprofit that's running into a big problem: their numbers don't match their story. The for-profit company supporting them pays for nearly everything, but none of that shows up on the books, and funders are raising eyebrows. Real Listener Question: "Our employees, office space, and equipment are all paid for by a for-profit company and donated to our nonprofit. Our financials make it look like we're barely doing anything. I've been tasked with finding major funders and the narrative just doesn't match the numbers. What do I do?" If your nonprofit receives donated goods, services, space, or time, this episode is for you. Meghan and I break down what in-kind donations are, why recording them matters, and how getting this right can completely change how funders see you. What You'll Learn: What counts as an in-kind donation and how to assign it a value How to record donated office space, employee time, and services on your books Why your financials need to tell the same story as your narrative How in-kind contributions can strengthen your grant proposals Why nonprofit bookkeeping is specialized and when to bring in the experts The one thing you should never do when valuing a donor's gift Bottom line: Your numbers tell a story whether you want them to or not. Make sure yours reflects the real work your nonprofit is doing. Resources from this Episode Learn about the value of volunteer time at Independent Sector: https://independentsector.org/research/value-of-volunteer-time/ Quickbooks for Nonprofits Facebook Group from Megan Genest Tarnow: https://www.facebook.com/groups/QB4NPs Previous Episode: Can Business Interruption Insurance Help Nonprofits Who Closed During ICE Raids? With Cody Wiswasser: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct160-nonprofit-business-insurance Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT161_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Do you know someone eyeing their retirement accounts to fund their nonprofit dreams? We need to talk! In this episode, I'm joined by Jeff Beck, a wealth advisor at COE Financial Group, to tackle a listener question that had me equal parts fascinated and horrified. Real Listener Question: "My partner has a traditional IRA with about $100,000 in it. Can she invest that money in my 501(c)(3) without penalties? Do we need to set up a for-profit company for her IRA to invest in first? Are there IRS rules against her investing in something I founded and run?" Jeff and I dig into the mechanics of IRAs, self-directed accounts, and what the IRS actually allows when it comes to retirement funds and charitable giving. Spoiler alert: nonprofits DO NOT have shareholders so you can't "invest" in them and get a return! There are some serious red flags here, both on the legal side AND in this interpersonal relationship. What You'll Learn: Why you can't really "invest" in a nonprofit How giving to a nonprofit can benefit an individual's tax position What a self-directed IRA is and what you get to do with it One legitimate way to donate your IRA funds to a nonprofit tax-free Why getting "returns" on your contribution can put a nonprofit's tax-exemption at risk How you can financially hurt yourself when you're starting a new organization Bottom line: Using your (or your significant other's) retirement fund to set up your new business is probably NOT a good idea. Protect yourself, protect your partner, and please, let that IRA grow. Resources from this Episode Learn more about Jeff Beck at Coe Financial Group: https://www.coefinancial.com/ Previous Episode: How Nonprofits Can Find and Hire a Good Lawyer https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/158-hiring-lawyer/ Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT159_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Jeff Beck – reach out at Jeff@coefinancial.com Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Nonprofit newsflash - your donation platform might be quietly annoying your biggest donors 😬 In this episode, Meghan and I dig into some nonprofit LinkedIn drama sparked by a post from the one and only Eve Borenstein. Here's the situation: You gave a big donation, and you received an auto-generated donation receipt from the org's donation platform. The problem? The gift acknowledgement letter and receipt are WRONG. We break down why donor acknowledgement letters matter so much, what the IRS actually requires in those receipts for gifts over $250, and how automated systems can unintentionally damage donor trust. We also talk about the growing trend of for profit software companies promising to "handle everything" for nonprofits while missing critical compliance details. If you rely on online donation platforms, this conversation will likely make you rethink what you are outsourcing and what still needs human attention. What You'll Learn: What SHOULD be in your donor acknowledgement letters How bad receipts can create donor frustration Where donation platforms and tech solutions for nonprofits can fall short How automation can quietly hurt your donor retention Bottom line: Donor relationships are built on trust and gratitude. When your systems create friction instead of appreciation, even unintentionally, it can cost you future support and credibility. Resources from this Episode Listen to our past episode with Eve Borenstein here: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct104/ Read Eve Borenstein's LinkedIn post about Classy here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/taxexemptlaw_so-annual-gripe-continues-last-week-activity-7412874086961541120-7bsN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAEjProBQJRvgNexcp-oDkRTlIoUrU5fW7Q Listen to our last episode with Ephraim about GoFundMe here: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct150/ Generate a good Gift Acknowledgement Letter here: https://birkenlaw.com/mg-document-app/gift-acknowledgment-letter/ Previous Episode: Can Nonprofits Give Tax-Free Money to People?: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/156-nonprofit-give-money/ Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT157_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

You're getting donations for a nonprofit – and that's great! But sometimes generosity comes with strings you never expected. In this episode, Meghan and I dig into the wild world of donor gifts and why nonprofits need clear guardrails to protect themselves from gifts that actually hurt the nonprofit. Real Listener Question: "We have a donation button on our website where people can give online and set up recurring donations for monthly contributions. A few weeks ago, someone set up a daily 50 cent donation. Our accountant looked into it and is saying that it's not fraud or anything like that, but it just seems really silly. Our payment processor takes $0.30 out per transaction plus a merchant fee, so we're getting next to nothing on these donations. What do I do?" This tiny daily gift opens the door to a much bigger conversation about gift acceptance policies and the hidden costs of donations. Meghan and I talk through the drawbacks, the admin time, the donor relationship dynamics, and the surprising ways well-intentioned gifts can actually drain your resources. We also break down how to set minimums, how to talk to donors with compassion, and how to avoid getting stuck with gifts that cost more than they give back. What You'll Learn: Why every nonprofit needs a gift acceptance policy How to know when a gift creates more harm than helps The hidden administrative costs behind every single donation Ways to set smart donation minimums How to redirect donors without damaging the relationship Why saying no is actually part of stewardship How to prepare for unusual gifts before they show up Bottom line: Not every gift is a positive thing for a nonprofit. Sometimes you need to say no and guiding donors toward giving that truly supports your mission. Resources from this Episode Generate a Gift Acceptance Policy here: https://birkenlaw.com/mg-document-app/gift-acceptance-policy/ For the others who aren't Gen-Xers, Night at the Roxbury: https://youtu.be/HwVh8pmOot4?si=2v3D5MAKXDFGteT_ Previous Episode: What is a Nonprofit Audit with Hannah Hugen: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct154-nonprofit-audit-hannah-hugen/ Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CT155_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

If your team is exhausted, overwhelmed, and constantly working nights and weekends, you might be dealing with more than a scheduling issue. You might be dealing with a culture problem that is hurting your mission. In this episode, I invited my friend and people strategy expert Rachel Platt of Plattinum Consulting to talk with me about the hidden issues inside nonprofit overwork and what it really takes to build a sustainable organizational culture. Real Listener Question: I'm a new staff member, and everyone at this nonprofit works tons of overtime without being paid (as hourly employees). The ED works all the time, and the team is drowning under an unspoken expectation to always be on. How do we fix it?? In this conversation, Rachel and I dig into what overwork actually signals inside a nonprofit, why compliance and culture go hand in hand, and how leaders can unintentionally create burnout without ever meaning to. We also talk about the uncomfortable truth that many nonprofits have normalized unhealthy habits in the name of "the mission," and why that approach backfires every time. We share practical ways to reset expectations, open the right conversations, and rebuild trust without blame. You might hear some things that feel familiar, because almost everyone in the sector has lived some version of this. What You'll Learn: The first steps to take when your team is chronically overworking How leadership habits shape culture more than policies Why "mission passion" cannot replace fair compensation or boundaries What you can and cannot ask hourly staff to do Simple tools that help reset norms around urgency and availability How to start culture change when you're the new person on the team Why clarity, consistency, and modeling healthy behavior matter Bottom line: Your people are how your mission gets done. If they are burning out, you are losing capacity, trust, and impact. A healthier culture is possible, but it starts with honest conversations and leadership modeling the behavior they want to see. Resources from this Episode Learn more about Platinum Consulting: https://www.plattinumconsulting.com/ Reach out to Rachel Platt here: rplatt@plattinumconsulting.com Previous Episode: When an Entrepreneur has a "Really Good" Nonprofit Idea https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct152/ Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CT153_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Rachel Platt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelplatt/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Nonprofit HR can be messy — but it doesn't have to be. Let's talk about when it's time to call in reinforcements (and what "reinforcements" actually look like). I sat down with Mark Bromberg, a Business Performance Advisor at Insperity and one of my favorite people to send clients to when HR headaches start taking over. We dug into what PEOs (Professional Employer Organizations) really do — and when they make sense for nonprofits. Real Listener Question: "Our professional association has seven employees. We're losing our CEO soon, and our board wants to consider alternatives. When does it make sense to have a PEO instead of a CEO or in-house HR support?" This is one of those big-picture nonprofit management questions that hits close to home for a lot of leaders. In this episode, Mark and I unpack what a PEO actually is (spoiler: not just payroll!), what a true co-employment model looks like, and why choosing the right PEO is more than a price comparison — it's a relationship. We also talk about how post-pandemic remote work complicates HR, why private equity moving into the PEO space should give nonprofits pause, and what "due diligence" really means before signing a PEO contract. What You'll Learn: What a PEO is — and what it isn't When outsourcing HR actually helps your nonprofit How remote teams across multiple states complicate compliance Why private equity's growing interest in PEOs matters What to ask before choosing a PEO (hint: "Who owns you?" is fair game) Why HR pros and PEOs can actually be a dream team How to make sure your PEO relationship is an ethical, cultural fit Bottom line: Nonprofits don't exist to manage payroll, benefits, or compliance — you exist to change the world. The right PEO can help you do that, but only if you choose wisely and partner with someone who truly understands your mission. Resources from this Episode Learn about Insperity: https://www.insperity.com/ Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbromberg/ Previous Episode: GoFundMe Creates 1.4M Nonprofit Donation Pages Without Consent with Ephraim Gopin https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct150/ Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CT151_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

If your board hasn't met in ten months, that's not just awkward — it's a big problem. In this episode, Meghan and I dive into a basic (but often overlooked) part of nonprofit governance: how often a board needs to meet, and what happens when it doesn't. Real Listener Question: "My wife joined the board of a small arts nonprofit, but they haven't met once in ten months. The executive director sends quarterly updates by email — that's it. Is that legal?" A board that never meets isn't really a board — it's a liability. Meghan and I talk about what state laws and bylaws actually require, what fiduciary duties board members are neglecting when they don't meet, and how to raise the issue without making enemies. We also unpack what counts as a real "meeting," why email updates don't cut it, and what to do if you're stuck on a board that's asleep at the wheel. What You'll Learn: The bare minimum number of meetings a board should have each year Why your bylaws matter more than you think What fiduciary duties mean — and how ignoring them puts you at risk Why a one-way email is not a valid board meeting How to raise governance concerns without burning bridges When (and how) to walk away from a dysfunctional board Bottom line: If your board isn't meeting, it's not leading. You can't fulfill your fiduciary duties by inbox — and sometimes, the bravest move is to speak up or step out. Resources from this Episode Learn about fiduciary duties here: https://birkenlaw.com/cornerstone-content/what-does-it-mean-to-be-nonprofit-board-member/ Previous Episode: When Nonprofits Should (Or Shouldn't!) Use PEOs for Their HR with Jess Holst: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct148/ Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CT149_Trasncript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Worried your nonprofit's DEI programs might be illegal now? You're not alone — and I can bet you won't be able to find the right answer on social media. In this episode, I'm joined by Megan Fuciarelli from US2 Consulting to dig into what the latest EEOC guidance actually means for nonprofits trying to foster inclusion. Real Listener Question: "My nonprofit has employee resource groups (ERGs) for LGBTQ+, Latinx, Black, and AAPI staff. They're popular, but I heard the EEOC says they might count as discrimination now. Do we need to shut them down, or is there a way to keep them safely?" New EEOC guidance has nonprofits questioning whether DEI work — especially ERGs and affinity groups — puts them at legal risk. Megan and I break down what the rules really say, what's changing, and how nonprofits can protect themselves without abandoning their values. We also dig into the difference between ERGs and affinity groups, what's safe, what's risky, and why "don't panic" should be your new mantra. What You'll Learn: What the new EEOC guidance actually says about workplace DEI initiatives The key legal differences between ERGs and affinity groups How to structure ERGs to stay compliant while fostering inclusion Why shutting everything down out of fear might not be the right move How executive orders, memos, and guidance impact nonprofit policies Why reviewing your internal policies and documents is critical right now How to keep advancing DEI goals while reducing legal risks Bottom line: You don't have to throw out your DEI work just because the rules are shifting. With clarity, intention, and the right structures, your nonprofit can keep doing the work that aligns with your values — and stay compliant. Resources from this Episode Learn more about Megan and US2 Consulting: https://us2consulting.com/ Read the EEOC guidelines: https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-dei-related-discrimination-work and https://www.eeoc.gov/what-do-if-you-experience-discrimination-related-dei-work Previous Episode: Why Record Retention & Data Management Systems Matter for Nonprofits: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct146/ Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CT147_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Megan Fuciarelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganfuciarelli Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

If your business is struggling, can you save it by turning it into a nonprofit? Short answer: probably not. It's Jess Birken here, and I'm back with my co-host Meghan tackling a super common question from business owners who think running a nonprofit might be an easier path. Real Listener Question: "I'm an instructor at a small figure skating school. It's been around for 30 years, but we're not making ends meet. The current owner doesn't want to run it anymore. Can we convert it into a nonprofit so we don't have to make a profit or have an owner?" We hear this one a lot. A business isn't working, and people assume nonprofit status will solve everything. I mean, it's right in the name – you don't have to make a profit, right?! Meghan and I walk through why this logic doesn't hold up, the realities of converting to nonprofit status (hint: you can't), and what it really takes to start and sustain a nonprofit. If you're dreaming about skipping taxes and raking in grants, this episode will help you get real about what actually works. What You'll Learn: Why you can't convert a for-profit business into a nonprofit What nonprofit status actually means and why it's not a business model Why fundraising isn't a magic solution How conflicts of interest complicate nonprofit governance What to do before starting a nonprofit if you're serious about it Why starting a nonprofit requires a plan, not just a tax filing What to think about if your org isn't financially viable right now Bottom line: Nonprofit status isn't a quick fix. If your current business model isn't working, you need to solve that problem first — not just switch IRS categories and hope for the best. Resources from this Episode • Listen to Episode 89 to learn about conflicts of interest: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct089/ • Check out my friend Steve Boland's podcast at Next In Nonprofits: https://www.nextinnonprofits.com/podcast/ • Previous Episode: Breaking Down the IRS Changes for 501(c)(3) Status for Churches: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct144/ • Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CT145_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us • Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ • Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage • Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music • Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" • Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected • Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

What would you do if you inherited a nonprofit… with 20 years of missing paperwork? It's Jess Birken here, and I'm back with my co-host Meghan to dig into one of the messiest listener questions yet. A nonprofit has been operating off the radar for decades, and it's time to figure out what happens next. Real Listener Question: "I just took on the treasurer role for a family nonprofit, but nothing's been filed since 2005. The bank account is still under the name of a deceased board member. I'm wondering if I should just start over with a new nonprofit. Is that even possible?" This kind of thing happens more often than you'd expect. A well-meaning person takes on a board role and discovers the organization hasn't filed anything in decades. In this episode, Meghan and I unpack what to do when you find yourself in a nonprofit compliance nightmare. We cover how to figure out what kind of legal entity you're actually dealing with, how to protect yourself, and how to decide whether to clean up the mess or start fresh. If you're the one caught holding the bag for a nonprofit with a messy past, this one's for you. What You'll Learn: Why nonprofit compliance is more complicated than for-profit businesses How to tell if your organization is really a 501(c)(3) What happens when a nonprofit operates without filing for years When it makes more sense to start a new organization than try to fix the old one Why board training is essential, even for small nonprofits What every board member should ask before agreeing to join How to stop stressing about the past and start moving forward Bottom line: If you inherit a messy nonprofit past, you are not alone. You can't fix everything that came before you, but you can take charge today and make sure the future is solid. Resources from this Episode Nonprofit Health Check Up Tool: https://form.jotform.com/jessicabirken/nonprofit-health-check-up What Does It Mean To Be A Nonprofit Board Member? Article: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/what-does-it-mean-to-be-nonprofit-board-member/ Previous Episode: What Happens When Your Nonprofit IRS Status Is Revoked: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct142/ Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CT143_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review" Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Nonprofits - how do YOU communicate about the dreaded "overhead" expenses? You know that pie chart everyone uses to show how much money goes directly to programs? Yeah, I want to toss it out the window. We'll talk about why those "eight cents" on the dollar that cover essential administrative expenses are not wasted but actually crucial for keeping your nonprofit running smoothly. In this episode, we're tackling a nonprofit pro's question about updating an employee handbook. Should you hire a pro bono lawyer who DOESN'T do employment law or invest in an HR expert? Spoiler alert: Your uncle Larry, the PI lawyer, might not be the best fit here. It's all about making smart investments in your nonprofit's operations and HR to avoid headaches down the line. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later when you don't end up in a legal pickle. So, grab your headphones and join us for a lively chat about transforming how nonprofits communicate their spending to donors. We promise some laughs, a few rants, and a whole lot of practical advice. And remember, it's okay to spend money on things that keep your nonprofit running well! Let's rethink the way we tell our financial stories and embrace the true costs of running an amazing organization. In this episode, you will hear: Why you need to delete that outdated nonprofit overhead pie chart Whether pro bono is the right way to go with your employment law needs Some of our recommendations for tools to keep up with all the changing HR rules The real relationship between the back-office and your direct mission programming How you can REALLY communicate success to your donors What your fiduciary duties really have to do with all our worries about "overhead" Resources from this Episode Propel Article - A Graphic Re-Visioning of Nonprofit Overhead: https://propelnonprofits.org/blog/a-graphic-re-visioning-of-nonprofit-overhead/ The Five Whys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_whys Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Welcome to another episode of Charity Therapy, where we tackle the chaos we're all experiencing at the IRS. In this episode, we're diving into the bewildering world of nonprofit tax exemptions. Imagine the IRS as a maze, and we're here to help you navigate it without losing your mind. We'll unpack why things are moving slower than molasses, from the recent leadership shuffle to the current eight-month wait for tax exemption applications. Dealing with the IRS isn't anyone's idea of a good time, but we're here to make it less painful. We'll talk about how the revolving door of IRS commissioners is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for the IRS. But don't worry, we have advice to help you handle these long wait times and the importance of precise tax filings. Remember, you're not alone in this—reach out for professional help if you need it. Finally, let's share some laughs and commiserate over the IRS adventures we've all faced. We invite you to share your own IRS stories, because who doesn't love a good tale of bureaucratic woe? . In this episode, you will hear: Why the IRS is taking forever (like eight months!) to process nonprofit tax exemption applications and how this affects you The chaotic leadership changes at the IRS The scoop on how this IRS turmoil impacts nonprofits and why your tax filings need to be spot-on right now Long waits and grumpy calls with the IRS, and why you should get your nonprofit paperwork right the first time Tips and tricks to streamline your nonprofit's tax exemption process and minimize stress during these uncertain times Resources from this Episode Download my 2025 Survival Guide: https://birkenlaw.com/2025-survival-guide Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.