Posts by Jess Birken

Have you ever tried to open a bank account for your 501(c)(3) and felt like you were navigating a never-ending maze? Well, you’re not alone! In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are here to make that process a whole lot simpler. We’re breaking down the essential steps, from getting all your paperwork…

In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are taking you on a wild ride from the wacky world of the Minnesota State Fair to the serious yet often misunderstood role of a nonprofit founder. We dive into the heart of the matter: what does it really means to start a nonprofit? Spoiler alert:…

Today, Meghan and I are diving deep into the early years of running a nonprofit – that tricky “danger zone” between one to three years where everything feels like it’s falling apart. On this episode of Charity Therapy, we’re chatting about how to tackle burnout, handle fundraising nightmares, and smooth out those internal squabbles that…

On this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I cover the most important topic – the REAL differences between a Minnesotan and a Wisconsin accent! But don’t worry. We quickly shift gears to talk about something really important for nonprofits: DBAs (Doing Business As). We answer a listener’s question about juggling legal name changes and…

Welcome to another episode of Charity Therapy! This time, Meghan and I dive into the emotional and often tricky process of nonprofit dissolution. It’s a rollercoaster. We’ll talk about what happens to leftover funds and how to make sure they go to the right places, respect donor wishes, and keep the nonprofit’s mission alive. Plus,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…