501c Suite

Charitable Allies

501c Suite is where charity meets clarity and law meets leadership. Hosted by Olivia Cloer, Interim CEO of Charitable Allies, the show empowers nonprofit founders and leaders with accessible legal insights, real-world stories, and strategic guidance. Learn how to protect your mission, stay compliant, and lead with confidence — without the legal jargon.

Episodes

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    EP 04. How to Prevent Losing 501c3 Status and Fix it If It Happens

    This episode explains how nonprofits can stay in good standing with the IRS and what to do if 501c3 status is revoked. You will learn how to choose the right IRS Form 990, understand state annual report rules, and know when charitable solicitation registration is required. The conversation also covers the difference between retroactive and postmark reinstatement, how to use forms 1023 and 1023 EZ, and why turnover or life events often lead to missed filings. Real stories show how organizations recover their status and what steps help prevent future problems. Not sure which reinstatement applies? Click on this link for more guidance. https://charitableallies.org/how-can-i-get-501c3-status-back/ Key Takeaways How to choose the correct IRS Form 990 for your revenue and assetsWhy late filings can trigger automatic revocationWhat state annual reports and fundraising registrations requireThe difference between retroactive reinstatement and postmark reinstatementWhen to use Form 1023 EZ or the full Form 1023How turnover and life events often lead to missed filings Subscribe for clear, practical nonprofit legal insights and visit Charitable Allies to get support for your organization. ✅ SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charitableallies/podcasts Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/501c-suite/id1854799490 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18IVmECOQ1MMOOthGrSkRh Want more help with your nonprofit’s bylaws? Visit https://charitableallies.org/

    31 min
  2. 20 JAN

    EP 03. How Can Nonprofit Boards Avoid Mistakes and Meet Their Legal Duties?

    In this episode, Olivia Cloer and nonprofit attorney Spencer Rehn walk through the three core legal duties that apply to every nonprofit board. You will learn how the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience work in real organisations, what state law expects from board members, and how your bylaws guide everyday decisions. The conversation explains why staying informed matters, how to manage conflicts of interest, and how to support healthy financial oversight. With clear examples and straightforward explanations, this episode helps founders, board members, and nonprofit leaders identify common board governance mistakes and enhance their long-term operations. #NonProfitLaw #NonprofitLeadership #501c3 #NonprofitGovernance #CharitableAllies #501cSuite Chapters: 00:00 - Introducing Spencer Rehn 01:40 - What legal duties apply to nonprofit boards 02:46 - What the duty of care requires 07:23 - How the duty of loyalty works 10:29 - What the duty of obedience means 12:29 - How boards avoid financial mistakes 15:11 - When a board should get legal guidance 17:30 - Best practices for strong nonprofit governance ✅ SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charitableallies/podcasts Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/501c-suite/id1854799490 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18IVmECOQ1MMOOthGrSkRh Want more help with your nonprofit’s bylaws? Visit https://charitableallies.org/

    20 min
  3. 20 JAN

    EP 02. Board Bylaws Demystified: Avoid Legal Pitfalls

    Is your nonprofit’s board running on outdated bylaws or none at all? In this episode of 501c Suite, Olivia Cloer from Charitable Allies sits down with Robert Miller, an experienced nonprofit attorney, to make governance feel simple and actionable. They unpack what truly belongs in your bylaws, how to set smart term limits and meeting rules, and why flexibility beats overcomplication. You will hear real examples of what happens when bylaws go wrong, how to navigate director removals with fairness, and why your fiscal year and voting rules matter more than you think. Whether you are drafting bylaws for a new nonprofit or updating a legacy organization, this episode helps you strengthen your board, prevent burnout, and keep compliance effortless without the legal jargon. What You’ll Learn: How to write bylaws that prevent gridlock and protect your missionWhy clear term limits and reviews keep boards energized and compliantHow to handle director removals, resignations, and fiscal year rules Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction and why bylaws matter 00:31 – Welcome to guest attorney Robert Miller 01:41 – Real-world bylaw blunders and compliance risks 03:17 – What to include (and exclude) from your bylaws 04:08 – Board terms, limits, and meeting requirements 09:15 – The role of emeritus directors 11:49 – Why specific bylaws can backfire 13:40 – Best practices for board voting 15:18 – Handling director exits and removals 19:52 – Setting your fiscal year and IRS compliance 22:04 – Member vs. non-member organizations 25:21 – How long should quality bylaws last 28:24 – Updating and amending your bylaws 29:27 – Mini Myth: Should bylaws include your mission? Tools / Frameworks Mentioned: Bylaw amendment proceduresBoard term limits and meeting frequencyQuorum and voting standardsFiscal year documentationDirector removal and resignation process Closing Insight: "Simple, flexible bylaws are your board’s best ally. Focus on governance, not clutter." ✅ SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charitableallies/podcasts Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/501c-suite/id1854799490 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18IVmECOQ1MMOOthGrSkRh Want more help with your nonprofit’s bylaws? Visit https://charitableallies.org/

    31 min
  4. 20 JAN

    EP 01. Legal Clarity for Nonprofit Leaders

    There’s enough bad news in the nonprofit world; this podcast brings the good. In the debut episode of 501c Suite, host Olivia Cloer, Interim CEO of Charitable Allies, introduces a space where nonprofit leaders can finally get clear, trusted legal guidance without the jargon or fear. Drawing on her experience in fundraising, governance, and direct service, Olivia explains how legal clarity helps leaders protect their mission and lead with confidence. You’ll hear what to expect from upcoming episodes: quick legal Q&As that simplify complex rules, stories from nonprofit leaders who’ve been there, and timely insights tied to real-world challenges like starting a nonprofit or managing year-end giving. Whether you’re building from the ground up or scaling for impact, 501c Suite gives you clarity you can act on. Because understanding the law shouldn’t be intimidating, it should empower you to grow. #NonprofitLaw #NonprofitLeadership #501c3 #NonprofitGovernance #CharitableAllies #501cSuite What You’ll Learn: How to turn complex legal requirements into clear, confident leadership stepsWhere to find trusted legal resources and community support for nonprofitsWhat kinds of episodes to expect: plain-language answers, leader stories, and seasonal insights Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome, sector pain points, and mission of 501c Suite 01:47 – Olivia’s journey: direct service, fundraising, governance 02:50 - Preview: episode formats (Q&A, stories, topical deep dives) 03:32 – Where to get resources and how to connect Tools / Frameworks Mentioned: Nonprofit legal compliance checklistsFree case studies and educational guides at CharitableAllies.org Closing Insight: “Knowledge protects your mission. Every nonprofit deserves an ally.” ✅ SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charitableallies/podcasts Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/501c-suite/id1854799490 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18IVmECOQ1MMOOthGrSkRh Want more help with your nonprofit’s bylaws? Visit https://charitableallies.org/

    4 min

About

501c Suite is where charity meets clarity and law meets leadership. Hosted by Olivia Cloer, Interim CEO of Charitable Allies, the show empowers nonprofit founders and leaders with accessible legal insights, real-world stories, and strategic guidance. Learn how to protect your mission, stay compliant, and lead with confidence — without the legal jargon.