Charity Therapy – Details, episodes & analysis

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 juicy listener question about reviving a nonprofit its president unilaterally dissolved. Spoiler alert: governance drama and IRS headaches ahead!

We'll walk you through the maze of bureaucratic steps needed to bring a dissolved nonprofit back to life – or decide if it's better off staying in the grave. We’ll talk about the difference between a fully dissolved nonprofit and one that's just been left to gather dust and why that matters. Reapplying for 501(c)(3) status isn't exactly a walk in the park, but we have some tips to make it less daunting. But it's not all paperwork and processes – we also celebrate the incredible passion and dedication of nonprofit folks like you. Remember, focusing on the human element is key to long-term success and growth.

So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and join us for a conversation that's as insightful as it is relatable. And hey, if you enjoy this episode, do us a solid and leave a five-star review. Share it with anyone who might be struggling with their nonprofit journey. We’re all in this together!

• Why nonprofits often hit a “danger zone” in their first three years
• The burnout, fundraising woes, and internal conflicts that spell trouble for a new nonprofit organization
• A listener’s situation where the president dissolved their nonprofit solo
• How to potentially revive a nonprofit or start fresh
• The difference between a fully dissolved nonprofit and one that's just been left hanging, and why it matters
• The tricky process of reapplying for tax-exempt status with the IRS and understanding the procedural nitty-gritty
• How to reanimate an abandoned nonprofit and the potential drama it could stir up
• Why keeping the human side in mind is key to sustained growth and wellness

Mission Guardian: www.missionguardian.com

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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.

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.

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, you'll walk away with some practical tips to make your nonprofit life a whole lot easier.

In the second half of the episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of managing multiple DBAs for nonprofits. Meghan and I break down the annual compliance you need to keep up with and warn against filing unnecessary DBAs that just add to your workload. We even chat about how keeping an old DBA can help make rebranding smoother. Plus, we've got some funny anecdotes and past episodes to reference if you need a deeper dive into nonprofit branding. 

Whether you're a nonprofit newbie or a seasoned pro, join us for some laughs and loads of actionable advice. We'll help you navigate the maze of DBAs, compliance, and rebranding, all while keeping things light and fun. And don't forget to share your own quirky accent stories with us on social media—we'd love to hear from you!

• What a DBA is for nonprofits
• Keeping things legal and clear for banks and the public
• A listener's question on filing multiple DBAs after a name change
• When you should file a DBA (hint - not just for the heck of it!)
• Strategies for rebranding
• Keeping an old DBA during a transition
• The headaches of managing multiple DBAs
• The need for annual state registration
• Risks of letting state registrations lapse
• Avoiding extra work and potential legal messes
• Avoiding being shady
• Only file DBAs if they solve real problems
• Over-filing creates more hassle and paperwork

• Episode about branding & changing the nonprofit’s name: https:/birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct105

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• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

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.

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.

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 it without pulling your hair out.

In this episode of Charity Therapy, we get super honest about how starting a nonprofit isn't as simple as just wanting to do good things. There's a bunch of rules and paperwork that can make your head spin. We talk about why it's tough and why sometimes the best thing to do might be to skip starting a nonprofit altogether. Yep, you heard that right. Sometimes, it's easier to help in your community without all the formal stuff. We're here to share our stories and tips and remind you that if you're feeling overwhelmed, you're totally not alone.

Lastly, if you're already running a nonprofit and find yourself tangled in red tape, we've got your back. We dive into why there are so many rules and what you can do instead of getting stuck. We even tackle the big question: why is it all set up this way? Trust me, we feel your pain, and we might just have a few laughs along the way because sometimes you've just got to laugh to keep from crying, right?

So come hang with us, bring your toughest questions, and let's navigate this nonprofit jungle together.

• Spilling the tea on how starting a nonprofit is like an obstacle course with the IRS and state laws ready to trip you up
• The mountains of rules surrounding nonprofits
• Why doing good doesn't mean you gotta start a nonprofit
• When to skip the headache and do good in your community without the red tape
• The reasons behind the government’s tight leash on nonprofits
• Other ways to make an impact without the paperwork pain
• A listener's vent about nonprofit startup costs and Jess's hot take
• Solutions for small missions with big hearts

Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

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.

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.

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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. 

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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.

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