Nonprofit finance, bookkeeping, and accountability are vital for organizational health. In this episode, May Harris talks with Terell Turner, CPA, about financial controls, compliance, and building sustainable growth.

Terell Turner, fractional CFO and co-founder of TL Turner Group, shares how nonprofits can strengthen financial systems, avoid common mistakes, and use tools like budgets, cash flow statements, and chart of accounts tailored to nonprofits. This conversation breaks down misconceptions about nonprofit finances, highlights critical IRS compliance requirements, and shows how good accounting builds trust with donors, boards, and communities.

What you will learn in this episode

✅ Why nonprofits should not "zero out" finances at year-end ✅ How to set up proper financial controls to prevent fraud and embezzlement ✅ The essential financial statements every nonprofit should review regularly ✅ How to structure your chart of accounts and bookkeeping for growth and compliance

👉 If this episode helps you rethink nonprofit finances, share it with your board or leadership team, subscribe for more insights, and leave us a review to support the show.

https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator

• 00:00 Common misconception: Do nonprofits have to zero out at year-end?

• 01:13 Introducing Terell Turner, fractional CFO and board member

• 03:02 Key financial questions nonprofits ask

• 05:04 Why nonprofits need stronger accountability than for-profits

• 06:04 First line of defense: accounting systems and bookkeeping

• 08:29 Independent reviews and quarterly controls to prevent fraud

• 09:55 Form 990 requirements: postcard, EZ, and full filings

• 10:10 Financial statements every nonprofit must use: statement of activities & balance sheet

• 10:36 Why a cash flow statement matters as nonprofits grow

• 11:22 Budgeting as both a planning and accountability tool

• 13:04 Setting up QuickBooks and nonprofit-specific chart of accounts

• 17:09 Restricted vs unrestricted funds and functional expense reporting

• 18:12 Structuring accounts to meet donor and grant requirements

• 19:08 The TL Turner Group: simplifying finances for decision-makers

• 21:00 Podcasts, videos, and checklists as nonprofit finance resources

• 23:04 Can you afford to hire? How to assess and plan properly

• 26:01 Avoiding misclassification traps: 1099 vs W-2 employees

• 28:00 Creative staffing strategies and planning for sustainable hiring

• 28:35 What makes a good nonprofit accountant

• 31:48 Why timeliness of financial reporting matters for boards and fiduciary duty

🔷 Nonprofits must operate like businesses. Zeroing out at year-end is a myth — building reserves and endowments is critical for sustainability. 🔷 Controls prevent crises. Separate duties, independent reviews, and accounting systems protect against fraud and embezzlement. 🔷 Good reporting builds trust. Regular financial statements (activities, position, cash flow, budget) empower boards to lead responsibly. 🔷 Compliance is non-negotiable. From Form 990 filings to donor restrictions, accurate records and proper classification protect your nonprofit's credibility.

• TL Turner Group – Fractional CFO services, checklists, and resources

• Stuff Your Accountant Isn't Telling You Podcast – Practical finance insights

• IRS Form 990 Overview – irs.gov

Terell Turner, CPA, is a fractional CFO, podcaster, and co-founder of TL Turner Group, where he and his wife provide finance and accounting support for nonprofits and businesses. With a background in corporate finance and board leadership, Terell helps organizations simplify their financials, strengthen accountability, and make informed decisions. Through his podcasts and resources, he translates complex financial topics into actionable insights for leaders and boards.

#NonprofitFinance #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitAccounting #BoardGovernance #NonprofitPodcast #TerellTurner #SocialImpact

Nonprofit fundraising events can either make or break your mission's momentum. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris welcomes AJ Steinberg, CFRE and founder of Queen Bee Fundraising, to unpack what makes a nonprofit gala thrive or fall flat. If you're still saying, "We've always done it this way," it's time to rethink everything. This conversation dives into how intentional fundraising strategy, event design, and donor stewardship can lead to long-term nonprofit success. Learn why the most successful events aren't about flashy auctions, but about making your supporters feel like the heroes of your story.

✅ Why galas fail when they're not rooted in purpose or strategy ✅ How to structure 3-tier event planning for all donor levels ✅ Why storytelling and emotional engagement beat fancy tech ✅ How to get your board and volunteers actively involved

Subscribe now and follow along to build your nonprofit like a pro with expert tools, legal insights, and leadership lessons that fuel real impact. Visit nonprofitcounsel.com for more!

https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator

Timestamps

• (00:00) Why love not money is key to a successful gala

• (01:10) Meet AJ Steinberg and her journey from event planner to nonprofit fundraising expert

• (04:05) The problem with mobile bidding and digital distractions

• (06:25) Galas vs. fundraising reality for small nonprofits

• (08:26) The power of donor stewardship and layered event strategy

• (13:10) Why friend-raising comes before fundraising

• (15:03) Grumpy board syndrome and how to fix it

• (17:30) Ditching silent auctions for meaningful donor impact

• (19:01) Setting board expectations and leveraging their networks

• (23:20) Virtual events that work (and those that don't)

• (29:00) Build a better gala: Case studies that succeeded

• (32:54) Why you can do it yourself but only with the right training

• (36:00) Volunteer communication and sponsorship tips

• (40:00) Why nonprofit community collaboration matters

• (42:00) AJ's final call to stop doing things "the way we've always done it"

Key Takeaways

💎 Your gala should be a celebration, not just a tradition 💎 Donor engagement matters more than tech bells and whistles 💎 Intentional communication with boards and volunteers drives success 💎 Planning without professional guidance costs more in the long run

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• Queen Bee Funding - Website - https://www.queenbeefundraising.com/

• https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator

Guest Bio: AJ Steinberg

AJ Steinberg, CFRE, is the founder of Queen Bee Fundraising and a 20+ year veteran of nonprofit event production. Known for her step-by-step trainings, AJ specializes in transforming galas into donor stewardship opportunities. From board engagement strategies to volunteer protocols and sponsorships, her work helps small-to-midsize organizations build impactful, donor-centered fundraising events. AJ is also a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and fierce advocate for doing galas the right way.

#NonprofitFundraising #GalaPlanning #DonorStewardship #QueenBeeFundraising #AJSteinberg #NonprofitEvents #BoardEngagement #NonprofitLeadership #MayHarris #NonprofitCounselPodcast

Nonprofit advocacy, board governance, and strategic planning are critical for organizational impact. In this episode, May Harris talks with Pat Libby about lobbying, leadership, and shaping policy change.

Pat Libby shares her decades of experience as a nonprofit leader, consultant, and author of The Empowered Citizens Guide. Together with host May Harris, they explore why every nonprofit should engage in advocacy, how to approach legislators with confidence, and how to make strategic plans and bylaws into living documents. This episode equips nonprofit leaders with practical insights to influence change, strengthen governance, and collaborate for greater community impact.

✅ Why advocacy and lobbying are legal, necessary, and mission-driven for nonprofits ✅ How nonprofits can build coalitions and influence legislation effectively ✅ Why bylaws and strategic plans must be living documents, not "Dead Sea Scrolls" ✅ How to engage boards, staff, and community partners for long-term impact

👉 If you find this conversation helpful, share it with a nonprofit leader in your network, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes.

https://leadershipaccelerator.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• 00:00 Why nonprofit leaders know more than they think about advocacy

• 01:11 Introducing guest Pat Libby and her nonprofit journey

• 03:10 The challenges of being an executive director

• 06:06 Bylaws as a living document, not a template

• 08:17 Advocacy and lobbying: legal rights for 501(c)(3)s

• 13:02 Pat's book The Empowered Citizens Guide and 10 steps to passing a law

• 19:10 Case studies: Changing foster youth housing laws & sports coach background checks

• 23:06 Advocacy across all nonprofits: cost vs. impact

• 26:00 Strategic planning and governance that actually work

• 29:03 Building partnerships with tribes: San Diego Audubon example

• 33:22 Collaboration vs. competition: how nonprofits can share resources

• 34:17 Closing and resource links

🔷 Every nonprofit should engage in advocacy. Lobbying is not only legal for 501(c)(3)s, it's essential to advance mission. 🔷 Legislators want your input. Nonprofit leaders hold critical knowledge that can directly shape laws and policies. 🔷 Bylaws and strategic plans must be updated. Treat them as living documents to prevent conflict and drive growth. 🔷 Collaboration multiplies impact. Coalitions, partnerships, and resource-sharing amplify advocacy and service delivery.

• Pat Libby Website – Free videos and advocacy resources The Empowered Citizens Guide: 10 Steps to Passing a Law That Matters to You by Pat Libby

• For Profit Law Group - Website: https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website: https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonprofitcounsel/

• Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-counsel/

Pat Libby is a nationally recognized nonprofit consultant, author, and recovering academic. She created the Master's and PhD programs in Nonprofit Leadership and Management at the University of San Diego and has decades of experience as a nonprofit CEO, board member, and advisor. Her book The Empowered Citizens Guide helps everyday people learn how to influence legislation and drive meaningful change. Through her consulting, Pat supports nonprofits in governance, strategic planning, and advocacy, empowering organizations to advance the public good.

#NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitAdvocacy #BoardGovernance #NonprofitStrategy #NonprofitPodcast #PatLibby #SocialImpact

Discover how to build a strong nonprofit board by leading with purpose, aligning on your mission, and developing governance systems that create lasting impact. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris sits down with Dr. Lyn Corbett of The Pivotal Group to discuss how defining your "why" transforms nonprofit leadership, board engagement, and strategic growth.

Dr. Corbett shares insights from his 30 years of nonprofit consulting experience, including his work with youth programs, libraries, and major municipal organizations. This is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader who wants to turn culture into capacity.

What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why understanding your personal and organizational "why" is essential to board culture ✅ How to improve board engagement through intentional onboarding and structure ✅ The role of strategic planning in creating sustainable nonprofit impact ✅ When and how to hire a nonprofit consultant who fits your mission

Subscribe now and follow along to build your nonprofit like a pro with expert tools, legal insights, and leadership lessons that fuel real impact.

https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator

Timestamps

• (00:00) A moment at the library that changed everything

• (00:56) Meet Dr. Lyn Corbett, founder of The Pivotal Group

• (01:38) Why The Pivotal Group exists and what it offers

• (03:35) The secret to building a strong and engaged nonprofit board

• (06:04) Aligning board culture with mission clarity

• (09:48) Leadership, safety, and the responsibility of social services

• (11:11) How to onboard board members with purpose

• (12:57) The role of "board buddies" and setting expectations

• (14:14) Are you bringing on board members for money or mission?

• (17:44) The $5M donor who didn't stick—and why

• (18:54) Best-practice case study: The Nonprofit Institute at USD

• (22:03) Elevating leadership by mentoring mentors

• (23:27) Collaboration over competition in the nonprofit world

• (24:00) Why "hope is not a strategy" in nonprofit planning

• (26:30) Collaboration needs legal clarity and shared vision

• (27:04) What to ask before hiring a nonprofit consultant

💎 Start with the "why" both personal and organizational to foster genuine board engagement 💎 Onboarding matters: structure roles, match with board buddies, and align expectations early 💎 Nonprofit collaboration and strategic planning aren't optional — they're essential 💎 The best consultants help nonprofits clarify challenges and execute focused strategies

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• Dr. Lyn Corbett - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyncorbett/

Dr. Lyn Corbett is the President and Founder of The Pivotal Group, a boutique consulting firm helping nonprofits strengthen their leadership, governance, and strategy. With over 30 years of experience across youth development, social services, and municipal strategy, Dr. Corbett brings a collaborative and mission-driven approach to nonprofit capacity building. He is a former nonprofit executive, a seasoned board member, and a PhD recipient at age 50, proving it's never too late to lead with impact.

Hashtags

#NonprofitLeadership #BoardEngagement #StrategicPlanning #NonprofitGovernance #MayHarris #LynCorbett #ThePivotalGroup #NonprofitPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership

If you're thinking about starting a nonprofit, this episode breaks down what it really takes to secure your 501(c)(3) status from nonprofit research to legal strategy.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris is joined by Dr. Laura Deitrick, a nationally respected expert in nonprofit research and management. Together, they explore what it truly takes to start a nonprofit the right way—from understanding the difference between incorporation and 501(c)(3) status, to the structural and leadership decisions that determine long-term success.

Dr. Deitrick shares data-backed insights from her academic work and field research, while May brings legal clarity to the process of building a compliant, mission-aligned nonprofit.

✅ Why many founders misunderstand what it means to have 501(c)(3) status ✅ The critical legal and leadership steps in starting a nonprofit ✅ What research tells us about why nonprofits fail in their early years ✅ How to build a governance structure that aligns with your mission

Ready to start strong? Join the Nonprofit Counsel Leadership Accelerator and gain expert tools, templates, and legal guidance to secure your 501(c)(3) status with clarity and confidence. https://leadershipaccelerator.nonprofitcounsel.com/

Timestamps

• 00:00 Welcome to Nonprofit Counsel

• 00:31 Meet Dr. Laura Deitrick: Nonprofit researcher and professor

• 01:32 Defining a nonprofit vs. achieving 501(c)(3) status

• 03:10 Research-backed reasons why nonprofits fail early

• 05:00 The gap between passion and operational planning

• 07:20 Choosing the right legal structure and why it matters

• 09:15 Why governance is more than just having a board

• 11:00 Missteps founders make during the startup process

• 13:10 How the IRS views exempt purpose and public benefit

• 15:40 Dr. Deitrick on board accountability and oversight

• 18:00 May explains how to approach Form 1023 and filings

• 21:00 Building credibility: the role of bylaws and state filings

• 24:20 Leadership isn't just passion, it's legal and strategic

• 27:00 Final thoughts and how to stay connected

• 28:26 Resources from Nonprofit Counsel

Key Takeaways

💎 Incorporating your nonprofit doesn't automatically grant 501(c)(3) status 💎 Founders often overlook legal structure, board roles, and compliance early on 💎 Starting a nonprofit with research and legal planning boosts long-term sustainability 💎 Mission clarity, governance, and the right filings create strong foundations

About the Guest:

Dr. Laura Deitrick is the Associate Director of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, where she leads cutting-edge research on nonprofit organizations, governance, and impact. A respected voice in the field, Dr. Deitrick's work bridges academic theory and practical leadership, helping nonprofit founders understand what it takes to succeed. Her insights on starting a nonprofit are rooted in data, experience, and a deep understanding of public benefit law.

About the Host

May Harris is a nonprofit attorney and founder of Four Purpose Law Group. With decades of experience helping mission-driven leaders build compliant and sustainable organizations, she created the Nonprofit Counsel Leadership Accelerator—a step-by-step platform for navigating incorporation, bylaws, board setup, and 501(c)(3) status.

Resources:

• For Profit Law Group - Website: https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website: https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonprofitcounsel/

• Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-counsel/

#StartingANonprofit #501c3Status #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitResearch #IRSForm1023 #MayHarris #LauraDeitrick #NonprofitCounsel #LeadershipAccelerator #NonprofitStartup

From board disputes to employee lawsuits, expert Bill Brennan explains why understanding nonprofit risk and securing the right insurance coverage is critical to mission protection and board compliance.

Starting or scaling a nonprofit? Then this episode is your must-listen guide to navigating nonprofit risk and making informed decisions about insurance coverage. Attorney and host May Harris is joined by insurance expert and board member Bill Brennan for a powerful conversation on how nonprofits can stay protected, compliant, and mission-focused—even when things go wrong.

What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why nonprofit organizations often underestimate their true risk exposure ✅ Which types of insurance coverage are mission-critical (and when to invest) ✅ How board members can protect themselves from personal liability ✅ Why employment practices liability is the most overlooked nonprofit risk

If you serve on a nonprofit board or work with one, share this episode with your leadership team to make sure your mission is protected from preventable risk. https://leadershipaccelerator.nonprofitcounsel.com/

Timestamps

• 00:00 Meet Bill Brennan: Insurance advisor and nonprofit board member

• 02:00 How nonprofit risk compares to for-profit risk

• 03:59 Stakeholders vs. shareholders: why it matters for coverage

• 06:01 General liability vs. D&O insurance: where to start

• 10:00 Professional liability and the danger of growth without protection

• 13:00 Fiduciary duties of board members and the legal consequences

• 16:30 The honeymoon phase: why early-stage nonprofits skip insurance

• 18:36 Employment practices: the No.1 overlooked nonprofit risk

• 22:01 Independent contractor misclassification and IRS consequences

• 25:02 How insurance gaps can lead to insolvency

• 27:00 CMR's risk management resources for nonprofit leaders

• 30:00 Emotional leadership and risk exposure in nonprofits

💎Strong emotions tied to a nonprofit's mission can intensify legal disputes among its members.

💎The importance of risk management is frequently disregarded during the establishment of a nonprofit organization.

💎A nonprofit organization lacks the authority to determine the classification of its employees for compensation.

Resources:

For Profit Law Group - Website: https://www.fplglaw.com

Nonprofit Counsel - Website: https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonprofitcounsel/

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-counsel/

Bill Brennan is a Principal at CMR Risk & Insurance Services and a long-time advocate for nonprofit organizations. With decades of experience advising nonprofit boards and leaders, Bill brings a dual lens as both an insurance expert and active board member. His firm, CMR, provides tailored insurance coverage and comprehensive nonprofit risk management resources that support organizations at every stage of growth.

Learn more about Bill Brennan's firm: CMR Risk & Insurance Services

#NonprofitRisk #InsuranceCoverage #NonprofitLeadership #BoardGovernance #EmploymentLiability #DirectorsAndOfficers #MissionDriven #501c3Protection #MayHarris #BillBrennan #NonprofitCouncilPodcast

Founder May Harris introduces the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and shares why starting a nonprofit and stepping into nonprofit leadership begins with clarity, courage, and community.

In this inaugural episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host and attorney May Harris shares the "why" behind the show and her journey into nonprofit leadership. Whether you're starting a nonprofit from scratch or already deep in board meetings, this podcast is your go-to guide for legal insights, leadership advice, and sector-specific strategies.

✅ Why purpose, not profit, drives powerful nonprofits ✅ What inspired May Harris to launch Nonprofit Counsel ✅ The biggest challenges and rewards in nonprofit leadership ✅ How this show will help you start, grow, and lead a nonprofit with confidence

👉Subscribe now and follow along to build your nonprofit like a pro with expert tools, legal insights, and boardroom-ready strategies from the . Nonprofit Counsel Leadership Accelerator

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast 00:11 Meet host May Harris and her purpose-driven law background 00:38 Emerson quote on usefulness and living well 01:03 Why May Harris serves nonprofit leadership full-time 01:24 Real-world experience: founder, board member, executive director 01:43 The need for centralized resources and nonprofit guidance 02:07 Who this podcast is for and what it will cover 02:27 How to stay connected via social media and newsletter

Key Takeaways

💎 Starting a nonprofit takes more than paperwork, it requires passion, clarity, and guidance 💎 Nonprofit leadership is equal parts mission, management, and mindset 💎 Many leaders struggle to find curated resources, they'll find them here 💎 The Nonprofit Counsel platform is built by someone who's been in your shoes

About the Host:

May L. Harris, Esq., MA is a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit law and founder of For Purpose Law Group (FPLG). Since launching FPLG in 2012, she has helped thousands of organizations across the U.S. navigate tax-exempt status, nonprofit compliance, and sustainable growth. Her practice focuses on nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise law, and charitable planning.

May began her legal career in intellectual property before discovering a passion for the nonprofit sector while forming a school organization for her son. Realizing how underserved nonprofits were in legal guidance, she shifted her focus and earned a Master's in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. Today, FPLG is a trusted legal partner to mission-driven organizations nationwide, known for aligning legal strategy with purpose and impact.

RESOURCES:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin

Nonprofit Counsel - Newsletter

starting a nonprofit, nonprofit leadership, nonprofit board, nonprofit law, nonprofit podcast, May Harris, nonprofit advice, social enterprise, board governance, mission-driven organization

Welcome to the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, your go-to source for expert insights and practical advice on all things related to starting and leading a nonprofit organization. If you're looking to start your own nonprofit organization, gain tax-exempt status, manage your board, communicate your purpose or fundraise for your cause, this podcast is the perfect resource for you.

Hosted by May Harris, Esq., MA, founder of FPLG and an experienced nonprofit professional, each episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast offers valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you navigate the complex world of nonprofit management. May's deep knowledge and expertise in nonprofit law, financial management, and consulting make her the ideal guide for anyone looking to be involved with a successful nonprofit organization.

So, whether you're a seasoned nonprofit leader or just starting out, join us on the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and discover how to shortcut the learning curve and achieve your nonprofit goals. We've got you covered. Subscribe now and start making a difference in your community today!

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.' These words frame my work, and they define my actions." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

About the Host:

May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her clients missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.

May received her undergraduate degree from the University of Utah, before pursuing and obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego in 2000. She practiced intellectual property law for a large biotech company for several years before a fateful flyer came home in her son's lunchbox. His school was looking for parents who were licensed attorneys and could form a nonprofit on their behalf. May agreed to form the organization, and then found herself serving as director of its board. With her legal expertise and newfound knowledge on nonprofit law, she realized the nonprofit sector was severely underserved in legal representation. She decided to fix this.

She returned to school, earning her Masters of Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego. With this education, she, along with some of her fellow graduates, founded For Purpose Law Group (FPLG). In the subsequent decade, May has molded FPLG into the "go-to" law firm for nonprofits in Southern California. The firm is constantly expanding its locations and service areas, with the ability to assist organizations across the United States.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-counsel/

https://www.instagram.com/nonprofitcounsel/

https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

https://www.fplglaw.com