501c Suite

Charitable Allies
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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.

  1. 1D AGO

    EP 11. How Fiscal Sponsorship Lets You Raise Grants and Donations Before You Have 501(c)(3) Status

    Most founders assume they need 501(c)(3) status before they can raise a single grant dollar. But there is a legal pathway that changes everything. Fiscal sponsorship allows mission-driven organizations to accept tax-deductible donations and apply for grants, long before completing the IRS process, and understanding how it works can save emerging nonprofits months of lost momentum. In this episode, host Olivia Froedge sits down with Gavin Funkhouser, Program Manager, Sponsorship Allies (FSA), to demystify the world of fiscal sponsorship from the inside out. Together, they break down the two primary models - Model A and Model C - exploring how each affects autonomy, fees, and day-to-day operations, and walk through real examples of who fiscal sponsorship is actually for, including seasonal charities, for-profit companies with charitable arms, and community startups that need a running start. Things You Will Learn: How fiscal sponsorship works as a legal bridge for organizations not yet holding 501(c)(3) status, and why it is not just for startups.The key differences between Model A and Model C fiscal sponsorship, including how fees, autonomy, and administrative support vary between them.How to evaluate and choose a fiscal sponsor, including what questions to ask about IP ownership, fundraising minimums, and grant compatibility. Tools & Frameworks Covered: Model A vs. Model C Framework: helps organizations understand the trade-offs between full administrative integration and independent charitable operations when choosing a fiscal sponsor.Fee Percentage Analysis: helps nonprofits calculate the real cost of fiscal sponsorship against grant income, comparing sponsor rates (typically 4–15%) to determine financial fit before signing an agreement.Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement Review: helps organizations protect their programs and intellectual property by understanding the ownership, autonomy, and exit provisions written into their sponsorship contract before signing. Helpful Resources Charitable Allies: Fiscal Sponsorship OverviewFiscal Sponsorship Allies (FSA) #NonprofitLaw #FiscalSponsorship #501c3 #NonprofitLeadership #CharitableAllies ✅ 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/

    23 min

  2. MAY 13

    EP 10. How Nonprofits Can Know When It’s Time to Hire Their First Employee

    Hiring too early can strain a nonprofit, but waiting too long can stall the mission. In this episode, host Olivia Froedge breaks down how nonprofits can tell when it’s truly time to hire their first employee. She explains the three key factors to evaluate before making the leap: work, money, and support, then walks through what hiring actually looks like in practice, from compensation research and payroll realities to board approval and compliance setup. Things You Will Learn: How to tell whether your nonprofit needs more volunteers or its first employee.How to calculate the real cost of hiring beyond base salary.How to prepare your nonprofit legally and operationally for its first hire. Tools & Frameworks Covered: Work, Money, Support framework: helps determine if your nonprofit is truly ready to hireComparable compensation research: helps set fair, realistic pay for nonprofit rolesPEO and payroll software options: help nonprofits manage payroll, taxes, and HR setup more confidently 👉 Can I make my nonprofit my full-time job? - https://charitableallies.org/can-i-make-my-nonprofit-my-full-time-job/ #NonprofitLaw #NonprofitLeadership #501c3 #NonprofitHiring #CharitableAllies ✅ 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/

    29 min

  3. APR 29

    EP 09. What 501(c)(3) Nonprofits Can and Can’t Do in Political Activity

    Political activity is one of the easiest places for nonprofits to get confused and one of the riskiest places to get it wrong. In this episode, Olivia Froedge is joined by Katie Buckner, nonprofit attorney at Charitable Allies, to break down what 501(c)(3) organizations can and cannot do in election years, from voter education and lobbying to candidate involvement, issue advocacy, and the difference between (c)(3) and (c)(4) entities. They unpack the fine lines nonprofit leaders need to understand, explain how lobbying rules actually work, and share practical guidance for staying compliant while still protecting your mission and speaking up on the issue that matter. Things You Will Learn: How to tell the difference between permitted issue advocacy and prohibited partisan political activityHow to evaluate whether your nonprofit’s lobbying activity is compliant and trackableHow to decide when a (c)(3), a (c)(4), or a dual-entity structure may make sense Tools & Frameworks Covered: Direct vs. Grassroots Lobbying: helps nonprofits understand what type of advocacy they are actually doingSubstantial Part Test vs. 501(h) Election: helps leaders measure lobbying limits with more clarityc3 vs. c4 Structure Comparison: helps organizations choose the right compliance path for advocacy goals Additional Resource: 501(c)(3) Lobbying Limits: What Nonprofits Need to Know Before Advocating - https://charitableallies.org/501c3-lobbying-limits-what-nonprofits-need-to-know-before-advocating/ #NonprofitLaw #501c3 #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitGovernance #PoliticalActivity ✅ 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/

    26 min

  4. APR 15

    EP 08. Ask an Attorney: Real Nonprofit Leader Questions on Revenue, Compliance, and Governance

    Most nonprofit challenges don’t start with bad intentions. They start with unanswered questions. In this “Ask an Attorney” episode from 501c Suite, Olivia Froedge is joined by Robert Miller, Managing Attorney at Charitable Allies, to answer real questions submitted by nonprofit leaders navigating revenue, compliance, and governance decisions. From selling products and charging for services to donor restrictions, fiscal sponsorship, audits, church filing rules, entity classification mistakes, and removing board members, this episode tackles the kinds of questions nonprofit leaders regularly ask but rarely get clear answers to. Instead of abstract legal theory, Robert walks through practical explanations that help nonprofit teams understand the rules, reduce risk, and make more confident decisions. If you’ve ever wondered how the law actually applies to day-to-day nonprofit operations, this episode brings real questions and straightforward legal education together in one place. Things You Will Learn: Generate revenue through products or services without accidentally creating avoidable tax exposure.Handle donor restrictions and salary questions with clarity and legal confidence.Follow a clean governance process when facing board conflict or classification mistakes. Tools & Frameworks Covered: UBIT (Unrelated Business Income Tax): evaluate when revenue is mission-related vs. potentially taxable.Fiscal Sponsorship Model: accept tax-deductible donations while awaiting or bypassing separate exemption.Form 8940 (Miscellaneous Determination Request): correct entity classification issues like accidental private foundation status. #NonprofitLaw #NonprofitCompliance #501c3 #NonprofitGovernance #NonprofitLeadership ✅ 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/

    26 min

  5. APR 1

    EP 07. New Nonprofit Compliance Basics: 990 Filings, SMART Goals, and Staying Tax-Exempt

    Most nonprofit problems don’t start with bad intentions; they just don't have all the information they need. In this episode, Olivia Cloer is joined by Will Gay, a Nonprofit Compliance Coordinator at Charitable Allies, to walk new nonprofit leaders through the most common early mistakes and how to prevent them, from skipping a real community needs assessment to setting vague goals, overlooking annual compliance filings, and letting bookkeeping get messy until 990 season becomes a scramble. You’ll learn what it takes to form and maintain a nonprofit legally, how 990 filing rules and deadlines actually work, how revenue impacts IRS filing paths (including 1023-EZ vs. full), why fundraising can trigger multi-state registration, and how simple internal controls protect your mission when staff or volunteers change. Things You Will Learn: Build a practical first-year plan that connects mission to measurable results.Set up a basic compliance system so you stay in good standing with the IRS and your state.Create financial habits that make 990 filing straightforward instead of stressful. Tools & Frameworks Covered: SMART Goals: turn your mission into trackable outcomes your team can budget and report onCompliance Order of Operations: reduce startup confusion and prevent missed stepsInternal Controls (two-touch process): protect funds and continuity when people rotate in/out #NonprofitLaw #NonprofitCompliance #501c3 #NonprofitGovernance #NonprofitLeadership ✅ 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/

    32 min

  6. MAR 18

    EP 06. What We See Nonprofits Get Wrong About Board Officer Roles

    In this episode of 501 C Suite, Olivia from Charitable Allies breaks down the four core board officer roles: board treasurer, secretary, president or chair, and vice chair, and explains how those roles look different in small versus larger nonprofits. Drawing from real world nonprofit experience, she walks through fiduciary duty, financial reports, meeting minutes, bylaws compliance, board conflict, and strategic planning. Olivia also addresses whether one person can hold multiple officer roles, why state rules matter, and why clearly defining board officer roles helps nonprofits reduce legal risk, avoid costly mistakes, and build sustainable operations. Listen through and share this episode with a nonprofit leader who needs clear, practical guidance on board governance. Looking for a deeper breakdown of nonprofit board officer responsibilities?Get more guidance on the roles of the board chair, treasurer, secretary, and vice chair here: https://charitableallies.org/nonprofit-board-officer-roles/ Key Takeaways: Clearly defined board officer roles reduce board conflict and confusion as nonprofits grow.The treasurer, secretary, and chair each carry distinct responsibilities tied to fiduciary duty, bylaws compliance, leadership, and financial oversight.Writing, approving, and revisiting officer role descriptions helps nonprofits reduce legal risk and build sustainable operations. ✅ 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/

    22 min

  7. MAR 4

    EP 05. How to Start a Nonprofit Legally and Avoid Early Mistakes

    Starting a nonprofit can feel confusing, so this episode walks through each legal step in simple, practical terms. Olivia explains how to start a nonprofit the right way, how to file for 501c3 status, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow down new founders. You will learn the full process from incorporation through tax exemption, how to prepare core documents, and how state fundraising rules work. These insights help new and early stage leaders move forward with confidence and understand what questions to ask as they grow. Key Takeaways:- The clear legal steps to start a nonprofit, including incorporation, core documents and choosing the right IRS form for 501c3 status.- Why bylaws, conflict of interest rules and your EIN matter for early governance and financial setup.- How state fundraising registration works and when nonprofits must complete it.- When founders can complete the process themselves and when professional support may help. Learn how nonprofits avoid common mistakes and receive simple legal guidance to help you move forward with confidence. #NonprofitLaw #NonprofitLeadership #501c3 #NonprofitGovernance #CharitableAllies #501cSuite ✅ 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/

    28 min

  8. FEB 18

    How a Candy Fundraiser Led to a Nonprofit Shutdown

    In this special episode of 501C Suite, Interim CEO Olivia Cloer and managing attorney Robert Miller walk through a real-world nonprofit case involving a youth organization that was shut down after regulators uncovered widespread misuse of charitable funds. What began as a candy-selling fundraiser for at-risk youth led to multi-state investigations, lifetime bans on fundraising, and allegations tied to serious illegal activity.  Using only publicly reported information, they explain what happened, how regulators evaluated the organization’s actions, and what nonprofit founders, executive directors, and board members can learn about handling money, authority, and oversight responsibly. Key Takeaways: Nonprofit leaders can be paid, but funds must be handled in ways that align with the organization’s exempt purpose.Regulators look closely at whether a nonprofit is serving the public or benefiting insiders.Independent board decisions, clear processes, and documentation reduce legal risk and support sustainable operations. Episode resources: • https://www.washingtoninformer.com/at-risk-youth-charity-scam/ • https://sos.ga.gov/news/raffensperger-investigators-help-break-gangs-human-trafficking-racketeering • https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/ • https://thedailyrecord.com/2026/01/22/nonprofit-candy-selling-scheme-shut-down-dc-md-va/ • https://oag.maryland.gov/News/Pages/Attorney-General-Brown-and-Secretary-of-State-Lee-Shut-Down-Sham-Youth-Charities.aspx • https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/01/22/candy-sale-scheme-maryland-virginia-dc/ ✅ 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/

    23 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Charitable Allies
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Charitable Allies
  • Show Website
    501c Suite