Charity Therapy Jess Birken, MNM, JD

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—before diving into your questions about handling these special donations.
We chat about what restricted gifts really are, using some famous examples like the Red Cross fiasco, and why it's so important to stick to donor wishes to keep trust intact. Meghan and I discuss the tough decisions nonprofits face, like when someone offers a huge donation for something big, like buying a building. Spoiler: It’s not always as awesome as it sounds! We emphasize involving your board and considering all the costs before jumping in. We even suggest alternatives like short-term leases to avoid financial pitfalls.
This episode is packed with useful tips on responsible fundraising, managing restricted funds without losing your sanity, and ensuring you don’t accidentally break any rules. Plus, we answer some great listener questions, giving you real-life scenarios and solutions.
Whether you're new to the nonprofit world or a seasoned pro, this episode has something for everyone. Grab your headphones, get comfy, and let's dive into the fun and fundamentals of restricted funds!
In this episode, you will hear: Jess shares her duck-raising adventures and the overflow of duck eggs The nitty-gritty of restricted donations The Red Cross’s mishap as a cautionary tale on why sticking to donor stipulations is a must to avoid legal trouble The drama of an executive director wanting to shuffle restricted funds around Jess stresses that shuffling restricted funds is a big no-no The legal and ethical importance of using donations as intended Reallocating funds with donor consent, how to properly document this, and ways to get donor approval without causing chaos A nonprofit newbie is offered a huge donation to buy a building but realizes the money won't cover everything Jess advises the newbie on thinking it through, considering ongoing costs, and maybe opting for a short-term lease A reminder that major decisions like accepting large restricted gifts should involve the board Some key takeaways are to respect restrictions, manage funds smartly, and craft fundraising asks carefully to avoid accidental restrictions Resources from this Episode Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw
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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.

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. In our chat, Dalya and I get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes a nonprofit ready to take on the grant world. Yeah, you guessed it: there’s more to it than just having your C3 status (although that's pretty important too.) We cover the eight must-haves for grant writing readiness while also diving into the dark side of grant applications and how to avoid that dreaded mission drift. 
It's all about alignment, communication, and staying true to your org's unique superpowers. But, most importantly, you’ve got to remember that it’s a process.
So, if you're feeling the grant blues or just need a little push in the right direction, tune in, soak up Dalya's wisdom (and those free resources!) and let's get those grants rolling in!
In this episode, you will hear: Eight must-have components for nonprofit readiness
The FIRST framework for crafting grant proposals
Why partnering with other community organizations can be a strategic alliance
Tips on updating and using boilerplate grant language effectively
Resources from this Episode Free Grants Resources: https://www.writingtomakeadifference.com/grant/
Sign up for 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.

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 involved in fundraising, and Clay is all about having a real honest convo with your consultant. Plus, he shakes up the idea that you can't raise funds in a resource-limited community. Spoiler alert: It's all about your story and that abundance mindset!
We wrapped it up with some golden nuggets on why fundraising isn't just sales and how to diversify your funding eggs (don't put 'em all in one basket, folks!). If you're trying to level up your nonprofit's money game, give this episode a listen. And hey, hit me up with your questions or follow along for more nonprofit nuggets. Catch you next time!
In this episode, you will hear: How data and numbers can transform your fundraising plans
The real difference between sales and fundraising
The role of the board of directors in your fundraising 
Why hiring a consultant isn’t just a quick fix to your fundraising problems
Why we should change up the way we think about our individual donors
How a scarcity mindset can sink your fundraising plans
Resources from this Episode https://tcbfundraising.com/
Sign up for 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.

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 taxes like payroll and sales tax. Yep, even nonprofits can't dodge the tax man entirely!
But don't worry. We’re not leaving you to figure this out alone. Jess and Meghan dive into the deep end of what it means to keep your nonprofit's nose clean with the IRS. Spoiler alert: You could lose big time if you snooze on your paperwork. We talk about the dreaded “automatic revocation” (cue dramatic music), which is IRS-speak for, “You're outta here!” if you forget to do your homework. We've all been there, juggling life's curveballs and trying to save the world. Sometimes, things slip through the cracks, and suddenly, your tax-exempt status vanishes like ice cream on a hot day. But hey, we've got tips and a nifty tool called DIY Mission Guardian to help you stay on track without breaking the bank.
Lastly, if you're like, “Wait, what's this 990 form everyone's talking about?” don't sweat it. Think of it as your nonprofit's yearly selfie to the IRS, saying, “Look, we're still here, and we're awesome!” We chat about why it's super important and how not filing it is like forgetting your best friend's birthday—three years in a row. Trust us, you don't want to be that guy.
Grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let's navigate the IRSlabyrinth together.
In this episode, you will hear: Tax exemption for nonprofits isn't a total tax break
Combining a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4) sounds like a neat trick, but no can do - one nonprofit can't be two tax-exempt BFFs at the same time
Missing your 990 filings is like ghosting the IRS
Running a nonprofit ain't a solo gig
Before you go all in on reviving your nonprofit, take a beat
Nonprofits hiring their first employee need to jump through all the usual hoops
Resources from this Episode 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.

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.
In this episode, you will hear: 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 Resources from this Episode 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.

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 they could keep you busy till the end of time. But don't worry—we're all about keeping it real and making sure you've got goals you can tick off your list.
Then, we're chatting about sprucing up your mission to match all the cool new stuff your nonprofit is up to. Because let's face it, your group isn't the same as it was 20 years ago, and neither should your mission statement. I'll let you in on the secrets of keeping it fresh and legal so the IRS stays off your back while you're out there changing the world. Remember, it's like giving your nonprofit a new haircut—you want to look sharp but don't want to end up with a style that screams, “I lost a bet.” Lastly, we're giving high-fives to those forward-thinking nonprofits planning for the future like champs.
Together, we're making the nonprofit journey less of a solo hike and more of a group road trip—complete with cheesy snacks and off-key singalongs. Let's hit the road and make some magic happen for your nonprofit!
In this episode, you will hear: Diving into the confusion between nonprofit mission vs. vision
Why mission vs. vision is like comparing your wildest dreams to the steps you need to take toward them
The achievability of a nonprofit mission can be a can of worms
Being too successful might put you out of business
Updating your mission statement and keeping the tax folks happy
Broadening your mission statement to help growth, but clarity is key!
Resources from this Episode 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.