In this episode, we're tackling a BIG topic in the nonprofit world - how much should you do yourself vs hiring a professional? The nonprofit sector is FULL of DIYers, and sometimes that can get people into trouble.

We've all had those moments where we've rolled up our sleeves and thought, "Sure, I can handle this!" But, when it comes to nonprofit work, sometimes that scrappy DIY spirit can lead to more harm than good.

Don't worry. We've got plenty of stories to share (some funny, some a bit painful) about the balance between doing it yourself and calling in the professionals.

A perfect example of when to call in the pros? Nonprofit bylaws. If you've ever thought that a standard one-size-fits-all solution is the best way to go, let us tell you - it's not that simple. Each state, type of nonprofit, and governance structure has unique requirements. Ignore these, and you could find yourself in a sticky situation, especially with board members. We'll share expert advice on how to navigate this complex area and trust us, you don't want to miss it!

Tune in for some laughs, some learning, and a lot of practical advice. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just strapping on your nonprofit boots, there's something here for you. Let's dive in, explore the balance of DIY projects versus professional assistance, and unlock the mysteries of customizing nonprofit bylaws.

• The eternal question for nonprofits - to DIY or not to DIY?

• Weighing the pros and cons of doing a project yourself versus hiring a professional

• The crucial world of customizing nonprofit bylaws - it's not a one-size-fits-all situation

• How each state's nonprofit corporate statute, the type of nonprofit, and the organization's governance structure play crucial roles in drafting the bylaws

• The common mistakes nonprofits make when they underestimate the importance of bylaws

• Understanding the law, best practices, and organization theory and development when drafting bylaws

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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.

Hey there, nonprofit party people! In this episode of Charity Therapy, we're back again, diving headfirst into a topic that sounds about as thrilling as watching paint dry: meeting minutes.

But stick with us! This episode isn't going to put you asleep, I promise! We will shine some much-needed light on the hidden power of these underrated documents in your nonprofit board governance.

We start by addressing a listener's burning question: can technology-assisted recordings replace traditional written meeting minutes? Spoiler alert: they can't! We've got a whole heap of reasons why.

In the second half of the episode, we venture into the murky relationship between meeting minutes and technology solutions. You'd think with all our AI gadgets and gizmos, there'd be an easy fix, right? Well, sort of. We talk about how using AI tools can help make minute-taking less of a chore and more of a breeze. But don't get too excited - we also stress why it's essential not to record every single detail during meetings. To round it all off, we explain the importance of training new board members on the art of minute-taking.

If you're in nonprofit management and find yourself grappling with board governance, this episode is packed with candid discussions and practical solutions to help you out. Let's turn those meeting minutes from mundane to magical!

• Meeting minutes' significance in nonprofit board governance

• Why you shouldn't replace your written minutes with meeting recordings

• The relationship between meeting minutes and technology

• Why you don't want to document every minute detail during board meetings

• Some AI tools that can make the minute-taking process more manageable

• The importance of training new board members on meeting minute protocols

• How to address board members struggling with understanding their roles

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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.

In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I bravely step into the IRS maze.

Don't worry - we've got a flashlight and a sense of humor to guide us through!

We talk about the unexpected humanity we found within the walls of this bureaucratic behemoth. We also unravel the often confusing and frustrating world of the IRS's automated systems, swapping anxiety for some much-needed clarity.

In the second half, we take a deep dive into the world of nonprofit tax filing compliance. From the importance of filing your 990 with the IRS to the potentially disastrous consequences of neglecting it - we cover it all.

But it's not all doom and gloom!

Meghan and I underline the benefits of electronic filing and emphasize the importance of getting proof of filing from a trusted CPA. And yes, we also talk about the dire implications of a three-year filing lapse - buckle up, it's a wild ride!

Finally, we discuss having the right professionals guiding your nonprofit's finances. Why? Because the stakes are high, and a wrong move with the IRS can be catastrophic. We also share why you need a CPA who specializes in nonprofit accounting and how these professionals can help your nonprofit grow.

Remember, Meghan and I are here to help you navigate these choppy IRS waters!

• The bureaucratic complexities of the IRS

• The difficulties in dealing with the IRS's automated systems and some common frustrations

• Nonprofit management and tax filing compliance

• The serious consequences of neglecting to file a 990 form with the IRS

• The implications of a two-year filing lapse

• Why not filing taxes for two years can cause a loss of C3 status

• How electronic filing can save you hassle

• The critical role of professional guidance in nonprofit management

• Hiring a CPA specializing in nonprofit accounting

• How a CPA can help guide a nonprofit's growth

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.

Hi there, fellow nonprofit champions! In this episode of Charity Therapy, we're diving deep into the tangled world of strategic planning and how to lead a nonprofit team without losing your sanity.

Our guest is Avi Olitzky, a rabbi-turned-nonprofit consultant, who's an expert at guiding nonprofits through the process of creating a strategic plan that's fresh, innovative, and tailored to your nonprofit. He breaks the process down into four key stages - discovery, synthesis, ideation, and outcomes - and focuses on empathic listening and innovation every step of the way.

But that's not all! We also explore the challenges of leading a creative team and the frustrations of having a vision without follow-through. I promise we're going to help you out here. We'll explore effective leadership strategies, including Jim Collins' concept of having the "right people on the bus." And we'll touch on a little tool called the Kolbe A index that might just be the key to understanding your team better.

Join us for a hearty conversation brimming with insights, strategies, and practical tips for all you wonderful nonprofit leaders out there. Remember, even in the most serious of discussions, there's always room for a good laugh!

• Avi Olitzky's approach to the often intimidating process of strategic planning.

• The four key phases of strategic planning: discovery, synthesis, ideation, and outcomes

• What happens when you don't have the "right people on the bus"

• The power of understanding your team better through tools like the Kolbe A index

• Why having the right people on the team is just the beginning

• How you can create an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated

• The power of empathic listening and innovation.

Good to Great by Jim Collins: www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996

Traction by Gino Wickman: www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837

Kolbe A Index: www.kolbe.com/kolbe-a-index

Link to Avi's website: www.olitzkyconsulting.com

Sign up for Birken Law Email list: birkenlaw.com/signup

Facebook page: 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.

Hey there! Welcome back to another exciting episode of Charity Therapy! We're diving into the complexities of moving a nonprofit organization this time.

Yes, you heard that right - relocating an entire nonprofit. Sounds like a piece of cake, right? Well, not exactly. Even for the smallest nonprofits, it's not as simple as finding a new address.

In this episode, we tackle a listener's question about moving to a different state, and trying to take "their" nonprofit along with them (and whether they should in the first place!). If you think that's as simple as packing up and moving your home, you're in for a surprise! We'll guide you through the complications - from board member requirements to tax exemptions and employment laws.

But that's not all. We also take a deep dive into the situations where you'd want to "relocate" an organization in the first place. Is there only one person involved in the nonprofit? What about the board of directors and community they're leaving behind? Will the operations even be necessary in your new community? We ponder these questions and much more.

Sit back, get comfortable, and join us! Remember, we're all in this crazy nonprofit world together!

• How even the smallest nonprofits deal with complex regulations, similar to Fortune 500 companies
• What it means to "move" a nonprofit (hint - it's not what you think!)
• The trouble with having a nonprofit of one
• The legal requirements to register a nonprofit in a new state vs. creating a new entity
• A listener's question about relocating a nonprofit and dissecting potential complications
• Why passionate people may need to consider volunteering at an existing organization instead of starting their own nonprofit

Nonprofit Financials 101 with Megan Tarnow: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJhdDWJL-yvzs3eaDaAHbQnPsbF8D-VTV

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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.

What if you could hang out with experienced nonprofit professionals and ask them your burning questions about the day-to-day life of nonprofits? What if you could take their wisdom and bring it back to your organization, for free? That's what we do on Charity Therapy. Hosted by Jess Birken - owner and lawyer at Birken Law Office. Every episode is an in-depth look at how to run a nonprofit, from fundraising to IRS woes to people problems and more! Our goal is to empower nonprofits to achieve your mission by doing things right.

Hey there! We are back again, and this time we're delving into the nitty-gritty of growing a small team in the nonprofit sector.

We've been through the ups and downs of growing our own team at Birken Law Office, and we're here to share our ups and downs. From building an organizational culture to adapting to changing group dynamics, we've got you covered!

In this episode, we're tackling a question from a listener who's part of a faith-based social services ministry. They're dealing with messy communication and a lack of project management … and they're about to significantly increase their staff. Yikes! We get it. It's like being handed a unicycle when you've only just mastered walking. But don't stress. We'll share our favorite tools (spoiler alert: we're big fans of Agile and Kanban methodologies) and tips for making work easier and more streamlined, no matter your mission.

And, of course, we're bringing our usual blend of humor and empathy to the table. Get ready for an insightful discussion that will empower you to manage your nonprofit growth.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just strapping on your nonprofit boots, join us for a chat that's as entertaining as it is informative. Don't forget to bring your toughest questions - we ain't scared!

• Our personal experiences in growing the team at Birken Law

• How to establish a strong organizational culture

• How to get out of your inbox (for real!)

• What project management tools can do to change your work life

• How to use Agile and Kanban project management methodologies to streamline your work

• Why your job descriptions really matter

• Why delegation is the SECRET to team success

• How to consciously cultivate a team culture that aligns with the mission

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.

It's me again--ready to challenge what you think you know about the nonprofit sector.

In this episode, I invite my guest - my 14-year-old - Max, to take a deep dive into the world of nonprofit boards. We're pulling back the curtain to reveal the roles of board members and officers, including the president, treasurer, and secretary. We also get into the nitty-gritty of the legal implications of compensating these folks. I promise you, this episode will not only feed your curiosity but will likely stir up some fresh thoughts about board dynamics.

We also touch on the heart and soul of any successful nonprofit - effective communication and collaboration. We chat about decision-making processes and how vital every team member's input is. Max and I stress the need for clear policies and procedures - a magic key to navigating potential people problems and creating a good org culture.

You're in for a treat as this isn't just a chat about nonprofits - it's about redefining how we perceive them.

• The different roles within nonprofit boards(like the president, treasurer, and secretary)
• Why you shouldn't pay your board members
• Why you need clear policies and procedures
• How to include the entire board in discussions and how important it is that everyone feels heard
• Some of the challenges of getting more diversity on nonprofit boards
• Whether nonprofit board presidents can have a veto power
• Advice for creating solid policies and procedures for your nonprofit board

Sign up for Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

The episode on Robert's Rules: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/join-me-on-my-soapbox/

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.

In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I dive into the often-misunderstood world of conflicts of interest in nonprofits. What is a conflict, really? Is it a terrible, horrible, egregious situation to be avoided at all costs?! Hint: no! Not all conflicts are evil, and not everything people call a conflict of interest actually is one.. In this episode, you'll learn what to do (and what not to do) when a conflict of interest comes up in your nonprofit work.

We'll also tackle a listener's question about a board member's support of another organization - is that a conflict? Plus, what happens when board members and staff members are all the same people?

Don't miss this episode that will help you better understand and manage nonprofit conflicts of interest! Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit pro or just dipping your toes into the world of charitable organizations, we're here to help guide you through these tricky waters with empathy, humor, and practical advice.

• What is a conflict of interest
• What's NOT a conflict of interest
• The problems that can come up when a board member is also paid staff
• The importance of due diligence when you're thinking about joining a nonprofit board
• Why you NEED a solid conflicts policy

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 you think about nonprofits, lots of different things come to mind - missions and visions, fundraising, hard-working staff, and strong communities. But do you know what most folks don't think of? Efficiency.

Today, Meghan and I are taking you on a journey into the (messy) world of nonprofit operations. Working for a nonprofit can be tough, where you're always trying to do more with less. But there's a better way. Let's challenge the idea that you have to work crazy hours to get things done and show your dedication. In this episode, we're exploring ways to make your nonprofit work better and still have a life.

Standard operation procedures - what are they, and why do you need them? Tune in to hear how they can transform your nonprofit-life. Imagine everyone on your team being on the same page and having easy access to information. We cover the who, what, when, where, how, and WHY of SOPs and why it's totally worth it for every organization!

So, if you're ready to make your nonprofit run smoothly and get awesome results with less stress, don't miss this episode! We'll help you make a big impact while still enjoying your life. Let's make your nonprofit shine!

• Nonprofits are BUSINESSES
• How Standard Operating Procedures will save your organization
• What platforms are perfect for your SOPs (Airtable, Tettra, and Evernote)
• Why you should take time to invest in the business side of a nonprofit!
• How to measure dedication to your mission; Hint: It's not 'hours worked!'

Sign up for Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

Tettra - https://tettra.com/

Evernote - https://evernote.com/

OneNote - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onenote/digital-note-taking-app

Airtable: https://airtable.com/

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.