Charity Therapy

Guest Amy Arcand of Willow Consulting joins your host Jess Birken to talk about what happens with people stop being polite and start getting real (LOL - you may be too young to get that joke) about firing their ED. How do you survive the aftermath? Amy is an expert Interm Executive Director and shares her story and her advice for nonprofit orgs going through an exec transition.

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Charitable giving is on the decline - big time. Studies now show that only 53% of Americans donate to charity. What does this mean and what do nonprofits need to focus on for the future? Are donations doomed? I talk with Steve Boland of Next In Nonprofits to find out his take.

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When is it time to give up and admit that it's just not working. In this episode Jess and the Birken Law team talk about giving up the ghost on a failed nonprofit; boards that throw in the towel; terminating problem members; an ED that needs to stop using her personal bank account; and, whether you should kill your volunteer program.

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It's holiday time - the season for turkey, big retail deals and...charity donations! How do YOU decide who to give to? Does facebook tell you which nonprofits are naughty and nice?

In this episode we talk about how nonprofits that succeed are often under fire from unfriendly elves. Be a seasonal smarty and listen to this one!

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We get started, introduce ourselves and do a riff on a few posted nonprofit questions. Like: what if you start a charity just to flip real estate? What's the most insane donor database management method we've ever heard about, and we hear from a nonprofit worried about taking donations from politicians.

In this episode of Charity Therapy, we're taking on the tricky world of conflicts of interest in the nonprofit sector.

Have you ever wondered if having family or friends on your board is okay or whether hiring a board member's offspring to build your website might raise some eyebrows? Don't fret - you're not alone! We're all about busting myths and providing clear, simple information on this often misunderstood topic.

Let's talk about conflicts of interest - and no, I don't mean your run-of-the-mill arguments or disagreements. We're talking about divided loyalties and competing interests that could cloud decision-making in your nonprofit. A listener got us started on this journey by sharing their concerns about founding a nonprofit with family members on the board. It's not illegal, but it sure does make things interesting! We explore how to identify potential conflict-ridden situations, and we've got some handy strategies to manage these instances like a pro.

Finally, we share some insider tips on setting expectations and policies, the importance of transparency and disclosure, and how to support each other through the process. Remember, it's not about avoiding conflicts altogether but knowing how to navigate them when they do come up.

Buckle up and join us for an episode packed with advice, insights, and a healthy dose of humor - because who says you can't laugh while learning about nonprofit governance? Whether you're a seasoned pro or just strapping on your nonprofit boots, this episode is for you.

• What a conflict of interest REALLY is (Hint - it's not just about disagreements!
• What it means to have divided loyalties and competing interests
• Whether it's okay to have friends and family on the board of a new nonprofit
• Whether you can hire a board member's family member through a nonprofit
• The importance of conflict of interest policies in nonprofits
• Conflicts are not inherently bad and don't have to be terrifying
• Pro tips to make the process of dealing with conflicts so much easier for your board

Check out Mission Guardian Toolkit, a legal resources subscription: missionguardian.com/toolkit

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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.

Welcome, folks! You're tuning into our very first episode of the Charity Therapy podcast. I'm your host, Jess Birken, attorney and the owner at Birken Law Office, and I'm joined by my super cool co-host and wing woman, Meghan.

I've worked in the nonprofit sector for most of my professional life, and I can't wait to share it all with you. You know - the ups, downs, and those pesky curveballs - that this sector tends to throw at us.

In this episode, we introduce ourselves, and you'll hear all about our adventures in the nonprofit sector. We talk about how we got into nonprofit work (hint: it wasn't a straight path), why we decided to start Charity Therapy, and why it's absolutely crucial to have honest conversations about the issues nonprofits face. We're basically your tour guides - ready to help you navigate through the world of nonprofits.

But here's the thing: We can't do this alone. We need you! Your ratings and subscriptions can help us reach more folks and amplify the impact of our content. Plus, we want to hear your stories, questions, triumphs, and tribulations. Every story matters to us, no matter how small.

Buckle up, and let's get started!

• Who we are & why we started Charity Therapy
• What is Charity Therapy and what you can expect in an episode
• Why we NEED to openly discussing common issues nonprofits face
• Our aim to create a community where everyone can learn, grow, and navigate the nonprofit world together
• How to send over YOUR questions and stories

Sign up for 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.

When is it time to give up and admit that it's just not working?

In this episode Jess and the Birken Law team talk about giving up the ghost on a failed nonprofit; boards that throw in the towel; terminating problem members; an ED that needs to stop using her personal bank account; and, whether you should kill your volunteer program.