Charity Therapy Jess Birken, MNM, JD

Ever wondered what nonprofits can and can't do when it comes to politics?
On today’s episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into the tricky world of political activities for 501c3 nonprofits. We'll chat about the dos and don'ts of voter engagement, why 501c3s can't endorse candidates, and how 501c4s have more wiggle room in the political arena. Plus, we touch on the buzz around the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025. Spoiler: it's more complicated than you think!
We also tackle some common misconceptions about how the IRS handles complaints about nonprofits. It's not as simple as just filling out a form and sending it off. We'll talk about the reality of IRS oversight, the importance of detailed documentation, and why state attorney generals might be your best bet if you suspect a nonprofit is up to no good. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly report nonprofit misconduct, this episode is a must-listen.
By the end of our chat, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the rules nonprofits need to follow, and you might even find some humor in the chaos of IRS paperwork (yes, really!). Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s navigate these nonprofit political regulations together.
In this episode, you will hear: The political dos and don’ts of 501c3 nonprofits
501c4s have way more freedom in politics than 501c3s
Can you really shut down Project 2025 by filing a complaint with the IRS?
Why filling out Form 13909 isn’t a magic wand
The IRS is like a turtle while, state attorney generals are more like watchdogs
How a TikTok-driven complaint tsunami can further slow down the IRS
File real evidence against a nonprofit with both the IRS and the state attorney general
Resources from this Episode IRS Form 13909: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13909.pdf
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 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.

In this episode of Charity Therapy, we’re diving deep into nonprofit finances to help you safeguard your organization from fraud.
We’ll walk you through essential internal controls like segregation of duties, setting up a budget, and making sure transactions get a second set of eyes. Trust me, even if your team feels like family, these steps are crucial to keep everything above board.
We also share a real-life nail-biter involving a nonprofit treasurer who’s up to no good—think missing funds and some shady behavior. We’ll break down the best ways to handle this sticky situation, from potentially taking legal action to quietly resolving things to protect your nonprofit’s good name. We’re here to help you figure out when to take the high road and when to call in the big guns.
Throughout the episode, we sprinkle in a bit of humor and empathy because, let’s face it, dealing with financial fraud can be super stressful. We’ll remind you that you’re not alone and give you practical tips to prevent these issues from cropping up in the first place.
Grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s tackle this together!
In this episode, you will hear: The nitty-gritty of nonprofit financial controls
Even if your team seems trustworthy, you still need those checks and balances!
Why it's crucial to split up financial tasks among different people
The dangers of having one person in charge of everything
The magic of setting a budget and ensuring everyone’s on the same page about where the money’s going
The juicy details of a real case where a nonprofit treasurer is suspected of sneaking $1,500 into their own account
The tricky balance between going public and keeping things quiet
Practical advice on whether to call the cops or handle fraud cases quietly to protect your nonprofit's reputation
The difference between minor slip-ups and massive fraud. 
How to deal with each situation and the importance of protecting your nonprofit's assets
Key tips on internal financial controls, using budgets wisely, and focusing on what’s best for your organization
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.

What really goes into shutting down a nonprofit?
In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I explore the emotional and legal rollercoaster of nonprofit dissolution. We kick things off by exploring the tricky differences between closing a nonprofit versus a for-profit business. Trust us—it’s not as simple as just locking the doors. We even tackle a question from a listener about a struggling local chamber of commerce. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s time to close up shop, this is the episode for you!
But wait, there’s more! We delve into the nitty-gritty of what happens to any leftover funds when a nonprofit shuts down. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about cutting a check to another nonprofit. We walk you through settling debts and fees and discuss whether a nonprofit that has achieved its mission should celebrate its accomplishments or set new goals. Plus, we sprinkle in some laughs and moments to remind you that closing a chapter can sometimes be a cause for celebration.
Grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s navigate the complex and emotional world of nonprofit dissolution together.
In this episode, you will hear: A listener's heartfelt dilemma about a local chamber of commerce that's stuck in the past and not keeping up with the times
Why closing a nonprofit isn't as simple as shutting down a for-profit business
The statutory process and why it takes six months, whether you have $2,000 or $2 million in the bank
The complications of transferring the remaining funds to another nonprofit
Whether a nonprofit that has achieved its mission should celebrate its success and dissolve or re-strategize for new goals
The emotional toll of nonprofit dissolution
A listener’s question about running leftover nonprofit funds through a personal bank account
The importance of following the rules, even if it seems like no one’s watching
Closing a nonprofit can be a reason to celebrate
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 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
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.

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.