Explore every episode of the podcast Charity Therapy
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 151: Give Mark Your Crap! | When a PEO is a Good Fit for Your HR Needs with Mark Bromberg | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:25:27 | |
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:
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
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| 150: All Press is Good Press? | GoFundMe Creates 1.4M Nonprofit Donation Pages Without Consent with Ephraim Gopin | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:27:46 | |
What happens when a for-profit giant "helps" nonprofits without asking first? Spoiler: chaos, confusion, and a lot of angry fundraisers. In this episode, I sat down with my good friend and fundraising pro, Ephraim Gopin of 1832 Communications, to unpack the wild story of GoFundMe auto-creating donation pages for 1.4 million nonprofits — without their consent. Real Listener Question: "What do we do if our nonprofit suddenly has a GoFundMe page we didn't create? Is that even legal?" When news broke that GoFundMe scraped IRS data to create "official" donation pages for nonprofits, my inbox blew up. In this episode, Ephraim and I dig into what this means for your organization — from donor confusion to legal implications — and why this so-called "help" might do more harm than good. We cover everything from the basics of what a good donation page should look like, to why this move could affect your nonprofit's SEO, compliance status, and even your donor relationships. What You'll Learn:
Bottom line: Just because something is legal doesn't mean it's ethical. Nonprofits deserve respect — not to be treated like SEO bait. Whether you're claiming or deleting your GoFundMe page, make sure the donations that come in are on your terms. Resources from this Episode
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| 141: Justice for the 8 Cents! | How to Communicate Nonprofit "Overhead" Expenses | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:21:01 | |
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:
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 CreditsIf 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. | |||
| You Catch My Drift? | 10 Dec 2021 | 00:13:08 | |
Nonprofit organizations are not static, stagnant organizations. They grow and change over time (and that's usually a good thing!). What happens when you grow a little past the original vision for the nonprofit organization? How do make sure you stay compliant and do things right, even when you're doing something radically different or new? And when can change become a bad thing? Tune in to hear Meghan and I talk about exempt purposes, mission drift, governance updates, and more! Related: [PODCAST] Nonprofit Mission Mission Statement: The Mission Is Your North Star | |||
| You've Got Junk Mail! | 26 Nov 2021 | 00:23:04 | |
We're pulling this episode out of our backlist for your holiday weekend listening! Jason Viana, Executive Director of the Open Door, joins us to answer another batch of nonprofit questions! What rules do you need to follow if you're starting a food shelf? How can executive directors manage their mental health while running a nonprofit? What do you get by being a registered agent of an organization? (Hint – a whole lotta junk mail). Listen in to learn more! Related: Starting a Nonprofit Organization: Asking the Right Questions | |||
| Warning: Rant Ahead! | 12 Nov 2021 | 00:13:23 | |
All right, folks, we got a little bit snarky on this one… Today Meghan and I are tackling the toxic mentality in the nonprofit sector that we must take a vow of poverty to do this work. We're talking about executive compensation, pro bono services, and when it makes sense to invest real money in the mission. | |||
| Show Your Work! | 22 Oct 2021 | 00:15:28 | |
There are lots of differences between nonprofits and for-profits, and today we're talking about a BIG one – accountability. If you own a small business, most people don't care how much money your CEO makes or how many customers you had last year. But in the nonprofit sector, there's a lot more information we need to share publicly. Tune in to this episode to hear me and Meghan tackling your questions about transparency, from what should be on your website to how to respond to donor questions. Don't miss out! | |||
| Board Police: Conflicts Investigation Unit | 08 Oct 2021 | 00:18:20 | |
To a lot of nonprofits folks, being accused of having a conflict of interest seems like the worst thing ever. But is it really? Introducing, the Conflicts Investigation Unit!! Meghan and I sit down to answer your nonprofit conflict of interest questions: What is a conflict? How do you manage the conflicts that do come up? And what happens when you don't even try to manage a huge and obvious conflict? Tune in to find out! | |||
| When You Wish Upon a 1099 | 23 Sep 2021 | 00:23:07 | |
If you call a nonprofit staff member a 1099 contractor, does that make them a contractor? (Spoiler alert – not necessarily!) In this episode, I'm joined by insurance broker Tom Wertish of Options Insurance to talk about employees, contractors, Worker's Comp, and other nonprofit insurance questions. Tune in to learn more! | |||
| "I Have a Nonprofit" Problems | 10 Sep 2021 | 00:17:00 | |
In the nonprofit world, you see "501(c)(3)" all over the place. But what does that really mean (or not mean)? In this episode, Meghan and I talk through some questions all about IRS tax exemption. Can one organization have multiple tax exempt statuses? What happens if you lose your status? Tune in to find out!
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| Nonprofit Storytelling that Doesn't Stink! | 27 Aug 2021 | 00:27:03 | |
Your nonprofit's mission is only as strong as your ability to share it. So how do you tell your story in a way that inspires people to engage, give, and share your mission? I'm joined by Emmy-winning video creator and creative strategist Erica Hanna to answer that very question! Tune in to the learn the secret to strong storytelling and how make videos that just don't stink. | |||
| The Grayest Areas of Employment Law | 13 Aug 2021 | 00:25:12 | |
A board member regularly makes flirty comments to the executive director – does this count as sexual harassment? The board decides to let go an independent contractor due to a program closure, but they're accusing the nonprofit of racial discrimination. The board wants to ask their employees to "volunteer" for other responsibilities – is that legal? Sometimes the answers to these questions are not cut and dried. Lawyer Zaylore Stout joins me for this episode to dig into a bunch of listener questions about the gray areas in employment law for nonprofits. You won't to miss it! | |||
| Artsy Nonprofit or Nonprofit-y Art? | 23 Jul 2021 | 00:28:46 | |
There's a large and thriving part of the nonprofit sector made up of arts organizations – but not every arts org can or should be a nonprofit. So, what's the difference really? And if nonprofit isn't the right fit, how are you supposed to get funding then?? Andy Sturdevant, the Artist Resources Director at Springboard for the Arts, joins me to answer these questions and more! | |||
| 140: Serenity Now | Can the President Seize a Nonprofit's Assets? | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:17:48 | |
On this episode of Charity Therapy, we're answering the big question on a LOT of nonprofit leaders' minds - what can the president really do to a nonprofit? We're getting to the answer, but first - remember to take a deep breath and take care of yourself before taking any action for your nonprofit! There's a lot of fear and uncertainty about what kind of measures the Trump administration could take against nonprofit. It's easy to get lost in the conspiracy theories and "creative" ways to protect your mission. But no longer! Meghan and I break down the legal boundaries and explain why panic-driven decisions aren't the way to go. We're here to debunk myths about the government seizing assets. So, if you're feeling lost in today's nonprofit landscape, join us for a dose of reassurance and a few laughs along the way. In this episode, you will hear:
Listen to our episode about HR 9495: birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct132 Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: birkenlaw.com/signup Facebook page: 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 CreditsIf 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. | |||
| Covid Q&A: The Nonprofit Re-Opening Guide | 09 Jul 2021 | 00:22:19 | |
As the world slowly (or quickly) re-opens this summer, tons of nonprofits are left wondering what their post-pandemic offices and operations will look like. That's why I asked my friend and business law attorney Inti Martínez-Alemán of Ceiba Fôrte Law Firm to join me and answer some of the big re-opening questions. Can you require your employees to be vaccinated? Who does HIPAA apply to anyway? How can you make sure you won't get sued if someone catches Covid? Tune in to find out! | |||
| Nonprofit Marketing the Joyful Way | 25 Jun 2021 | 00:21:13 | |
Ephraim Gopin of 1832 Communications is a nonprofit marketing whiz, and he joined me in this episode to answer our listeners' burning questions. Should nonprofits have an employee giving program? How can you convince an old organization to modernize? What's really the difference between marketing and fundraising? | |||
| The Mission Is Your North Star | 11 Jun 2021 | 00:18:03 | |
Lots of nonprofits had to change up their operations during in the past year – but how do you know what changes to make? My guest Maria Huntley, Executive Director of Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, says that no matter what you decide, you first need to go back to your mission. In this episode, Maria and I put on our creative hats to answer listener questions about how to make big decisions for their nonprofits. | |||
| The Gates Foundation (and Divorce!) | 26 May 2021 | 00:10:51 | |
We all saw the news not too long ago that Bill and Melinda Gates are getting a divorce – but what does that mean for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation? In this episode, we dive into the world of family foundations and answer the most common questions I've been hearing. Will the nonprofit be divided up in the divorce? What happens to the funding when the Gates aren't a family anymore? Tune in to find out! This episode is inspired by my interview with Nick Rishwain of Experts.com Check out the full article/interview at https://experts-blog.com/2021/05/11/bill-melinda-gates-foundation-divorce-impact-nonprofit/. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] | |||
| Nonprofit Founders Syndrome | 13 May 2021 | 00:20:47 | |
This week we're covering the dreaded nonprofit disease – founders syndrome, aka founderitis. Nonprofit expert Reid Zimmerman joins me to answer listener questions about what it is and how you can fix it if your nonprofit has already infected. Tune in to learn more! | |||
| Network Your Brains Out! | 22 Apr 2021 | 00:21:36 | |
All nonprofits, no matter their size or mission, need to think about fundraising. Where's all the money going to come from to continue to power your mission? In this episode, Ellen Bristol, fundraising expert from Bristol Strategy Group, joins me to answer listener questions about the right way to approach fundraising. Here's a hint for you – it's not just about searching up foundations to ask for money! | |||
| The Messiest Nonprofits: Voting Member Orgs | 09 Apr 2021 | 00:15:30 | |
Where there are people, there are people problems. And in voting member nonprofits, you've got a lot of people. So in this episode, we tackle listener questions about members and the issues that can come from the voting membership. What do you do when you have one member that causes a ruckus? Or what if you want to get rid of your voting members? Tune in to find out! | |||
| 990 Season! | 25 Mar 2021 | 00:14:46 | |
April showers bring… May tax returns. That doesn't quite have the same ring to it, huh? But it's true – we're coming up on tax season! So while nonprofits rush to prepare their Form 990s, I'm answering listener questions about them. What do you do if a donor accuses you of filling out the 990 wrong? Or, what happens if you (or your CPA) drops the ball and files nothing at all? Tune in to find out! | |||
| Putting a Nonprofit in Hyper-Sleep | 10 Mar 2021 | 00:12:50 | |
When you're running a nonprofit, you're tasked with making the RIGHT decisions for the organization – even in the face of unexpected challenges (hello, global pandemic!). There's no one-size-fits-all approach to deal with a crisis, so making those decisions is tough. In today's episode, we're answering questions from folks making some big, unplanned changes for their organization. | |||
| Robert's Rules: Your Personal Hell | 25 Feb 2021 | 00:12:44 | |
Lots of nonprofit boards use Robert's Rules to run their board meetings – but should they? Robert's Rules is a parliamentary procedure that's meant to keep things orderly and make it easier to make group decisions. But sometimes, the rules make things harder, not easier. Tune in to this episode to hear some listener questions about what to do when Robert's Rules go off the rails. Go to www.birkenlaw.com/board-survival to get a copy of my Nonprofit Board Meeting Survival Guide. Check out this resource from Guidestar about an alternative to Robert's Rules: https://trust.guidestar.org/going-for-consensus-not-roberts-rules. | |||
| 139: Counting On Our Fingers | Understanding The Long Wait Times for IRS Tax Exemption Applications | 29 May 2025 | 00:15:54 | |
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:
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 CreditsIf 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. | |||
| Nonprofit Dissolution: It's Complicated! | 11 Feb 2021 | 00:14:54 | |
Nonprofit dissolution is a difficult decision, no matter your mission. But once you make that decision, do you really know what it means to dissolve your nonprofit? Today, we answer the big questions from listeners in that exact situation: How do you know when it's time to call it a day and close down? And when it is time to close, what steps do you have to take? Tune in to find out! Related: Treat Your Nonprofit Idea Like Your Wedding
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| Nonprofit Q&A: Listen to Your Nonprofit Treasurer! | 21 Jan 2021 | 00:21:58 | |
Not everyone who works in nonprofits is an expert in handling nonprofit funds - and that's okay! If you're getting a gut feeling that something just isn't right (or maybe your nonprofit treasurer is...), you should listen. This episode is a throwback to March of 2020 when hosts Jess and Meghan were joined by Jim Hall to talk through some tricky nonprofit questions.
Listen in to get the answers to these questions and more! | |||
| The Curse of Employee Turnover | 08 Jan 2021 | 00:17:01 | |
Nonprofits are only as good as the people who run them. So what happens if you can't find talented, dedicated people? Or if the awesome people you find keep leaving? Jason Viana, Executive Director of The Open Door, joins me for this conversation about finding, and keeping, great employees. | |||
| How to Be a Savvy Donor | 23 Dec 2020 | 00:22:41 | |
It's the end of a tough year, and nonprofits have been hit hard. Year-end giving is more important than ever. But how do you know who is a good charity to give to? Tune into this episode, revived from 2019, to find out the best (and worst!) ways to decide who deserves your donation. | |||
| Nonprofit Q&A: The Unpaid "Employees" Edition | 04 Dec 2020 | 00:39:44 | |
Charles McDonald, Executive Director of Community Engagement Partners, joins us for another round of listener questions! If you lose your tax exempt status, can you just switch to a for-profit? Or, how open do nonprofits have to be about who is on their board of directors? Can you hire employees...but not pay them? Get the answers to these questions and more in this week's episode! | |||
| How to get the most out of your board meetings | 25 Nov 2020 | 00:22:57 | |
Are your nonprofit board meetings productive as they can be? Or do you walk away feeling like you wasted time and didn't get much done? It doesn't have to be that way! Matt Homann from Filament joined me to answer some burning nonprofit questions about how to hold a better meeting. Get Matt's meeting planning tool here. | |||
| Founder Feature: Nonprofits Don't Grow Overnight | 11 Nov 2020 | 00:27:10 | |
Nonprofit founders are visionaries - they have a clear picture of how they can make a difference in their community. But breaking down that vision to the nitty-gritty details for your IRS application's narrative statement can be tough. Tommy Hoffman, founder of Sober Farms, was in this exact spot. He knew what he wanted to do, but he wasn't sure how to communicate that to the IRS. Listen to our conversation to learn how any founder can drill down to the details and create a winning narrative statement! | |||
| Nonprofit Q&A: Trick or Treat? | 21 Oct 2020 | 00:22:24 | |
Here's a Halloween trick: we're going back in time ONE YEAR to our very first episode of Charity Therapy! Jordan Couch, lawyer from Tacoma and friend of the pod, joined me to answer nonprofit questions. Are you haunted by unfinished business at your nonprofit? Spooked about witchy board members? Don't worry ghouls & goblins, we have advice to avoid being haunted by nonprofit leadership skeletons! | |||
| All of Us Are Stronger Than Any One of Us | 09 Oct 2020 | 00:24:15 | |
It's easy to find ways that new nonprofit founders can go wrong. But we don't often hear the stories of founders that do things right. I sat down with Heidi Semann, the founder and executive director of Parotid Patient Project, to talk about her journey to starting and running a nonprofit. Listen in to learn from Heidi's hard work and dedication and how she found the community to make this new organization successful. | |||
| Nonprofit Q&A: Charity or Robbery? | 16 Sep 2020 | 00:28:00 | |
Lots of people assume that folks who work in nonprofits have good intentions. While that's true most of the time, there are people who want to scam the system in EVERY industry. Our intern Chloe joins us for another round of nonprofit questions, like: Can you set up a nonprofit to pay for your own art? Or can you use a nonprofit's tax exemption to buy a house? Listen and find out! | |||
| 138: Trump Vs. Harvard | Can the President Revoke a Nonprofit's Tax-Exempt Status? | 15 May 2025 | 00:22:45 | |
In this episode of Charity Therapy, we're tackling a big question from the headlines - can the President choose whether you get tax exemption? While President Trump may threaten a university like Harvard, what can he actually do? Meghan and I break down what the President can and cannot do with nonprofits AND what it would like to really lose your tax exemption. Spoiler alert - it's not a quick process! In this episode, we'll bust some myths and give you the lowdown on how these things really work and what to do if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation. Worried about the political winds shifting against your nonprofit? You're not alone! We're tackling those concerns head-on, especially for organizations whose missions might not sit well with the Trump administration. We've got your back with some solid strategies to stay resilient, like focusing on building strong relationships with donors and staying on top of IRS compliance. Remember, it's not about panicking but being prepared and informed. The main message is this: don't let fear take the wheel. Whether you're worried about rule changes or just want to make sure your nonprofit is on solid ground, we're here to guide you through it all with a smile and a bit of humor. So tune in, get comfy, and let's navigate these political waters together! In this episode, you will hear:
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 CreditsIf 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. | |||
| Help, My Boss Tried to Kiss Me! | 10 Sep 2020 | 00:29:22 | |
Join us for an episode with Kelly Rietow, HR Consultant at ROO Solutions, as we discuss people problems that nonprofits can face. What do you do if your boss is crossing boundaries during work? How can we prioritize paying nonprofit employees a living wage, and what are the challenges with that? Listen in and find out! | |||
| The Future of Donor Engagement | 25 Aug 2020 | 00:28:20 | |
How do you keep your donors engaged and invested in your mission? Matt Barnett of Bonjoro sat down with me to talk about the future of donor engagement - personalized video. Listen in to find out how personalized videos can set you apart from other orgs and help create donors that are superfans of your nonprofit. | |||
| Q&A: The Mystery of the Zombie Nonprofit | 11 Aug 2020 | 00:32:18 | |
Jess and Meghan are joined with Jason Viana, Executive Director of the Open Door, in answering another batch of nonprofit questions found on the internet. What can you do to reanimate a nonprofit that's been lying dormant? How can you raise money for your organization during a pandemic? How can founders manage their mental health while running a nonprofit? Listen in and find out! | |||
| Founder Feature: Childhood Dream to a Nonprofit Reality | 24 Jul 2020 | 00:19:13 | |
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. | |||
| A Secret Cause of Your Nonprofit Diversity Problem | 10 Jul 2020 | 00:27:34 | |
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. | |||
| Q&A: The Case of the Copied Nonprofit | 26 Jun 2020 | 00:20:28 | |
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! | |||
| Your Brain on Uncertainty | 11 Jun 2020 | 00:24:02 | |
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 Shefali Mehta to talk about what that uncertainty does to your brain and how you (and your nonprofit) can grow through it. | |||
| Scammers, Deception... Who Can You Trust? | 22 May 2020 | 00:31:02 | |
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 you can learn from. | |||
| Nonprofit Innovation - Without Losing Your Soul | 08 May 2020 | 00:14:09 | |
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. | |||
| Should YOU apply for coronavirus SBA loans? | 25 Apr 2020 | 00:21:11 | |
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 mentioned www.getdivvy.com Find me @JessBirken or head over to my website at www.birkenlaw.com | |||
| 137: This Is Not Mad Men | Advice for Executive Directors Managing Their Board with David Rhode | 01 May 2025 | 00:27:42 | |
Welcome to this episode of Charity Therapy! I'm Jess Birken, and today we're diving into the wild world of nonprofit leadership. I've got David Rhode, a super-smart nonprofit coach and author, joining me to give all kinds of advice for nonprofit executive directors. We're tackling a juicy listener question about a micromanaging board member who's causing a bit of a headache. Trust me, we've got some great strategies to share that'll help you balance gratitude with boundary-setting. Transitioning from a working board to a governing board can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark, especially when leadership roles are changing. With David's guidance, we explore how to keep board members engaged by giving them roles that match their strengths. Don't worry, we've got tips on keeping things fair and professional, ensuring everyone knows their lane. And let's not forget the fun twists of gender dynamics and generational differences. David and I chat about the importance of continuous learning and having a support network. Plus, we've got some motivational pep talks for those days when you're just trying to keep your head above water. Tune in for some personal stories, professional advice, and a few laughs as we empower you to lead with confidence and cultivate a culture of respect in your nonprofit world. In this episode, you will hear:
Buy David's Book, Passion Isn't Enough: https://dotdotorg.com/my-book 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 CreditsIf 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. | |||
| The New Paid Leave Law All Small Orgs Must Follow | 02 Apr 2020 | 00:34:27 | |
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! | |||
| The Nonprofit Crisis Survival Guide | 27 Mar 2020 | 00:24:47 | |
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 your mind right and steer the nonprofit forward. | |||
| Nonprofit Q&A: The Common Sense Edition | 12 Mar 2020 | 00:21:58 | |
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 snuff! | |||