In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into the wild world where nonprofits and for-profit businesses collide.

Ever wondered what happens when one person owns both a nonprofit and a business? Spoiler alert: it can get messy. We'll answer your burning questions about these murky waters, help you spot the red flags, and remind you why transparency is crucial. Plus, we'll chat about how the IRS keeps a close eye on potential scams and insider deals.

We won't sugarcoat it—things can get shady when a nonprofit starts buying from its owner's business. We're talking about the nitty-gritty of private inurement and excess benefit transactions. If that sounds like a foreign language, don’t worry—we break it down in plain English. We'll even throw in some hypothetical scenarios to help you see the potential tax perks and pitfalls. Whether you're a nonprofit newbie or a seasoned pro, you'll leave this episode with a better understanding of what to watch out for.

Finally, we tackle the tricky topic of scams. They're not just harmful—they're often pointless, too! We encourage you to cut ties with any sketchy schemes and share your stories with us. Got a friend tangled up in a dubious venture? We'd love to hear about it and offer our take.

Remember, you're not alone on this nonprofit journey, and we're here to help you navigate it with a bit of humor and a lot of heart.

• Spotting sneaky nonprofit tricks: nonprofits linked to for-profit businesses and suspicious money flows between them

• Why owning both a nonprofit and a for-profit can lead to IRS issues and is usually discouraged

• How nonprofits purchase from the owner's business, hinting at potential misconduct

• Scams, avoiding shady dealings, and adhering to nonprofit ethics

• Nonprofits require effort and aren't a shortcut to riches

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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.

On this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving headfirst into the tricky world of nonprofit boards.

You're not alone if you've ever wondered why your board seems more like a roadblock than a support system. We've got a juicy listener question from someone stuck with a board that feels more like a nagging boss than a helpful partner. Can you just ditch the board entirely? Spoiler alert: it’s not that simple, but we're here to help you navigate these murky waters.

Meghan and I unravel the tangled web of board-staff dynamics. We know how frustrating it can be when board members overstep, adding more to your to-do list than you can handle. We’ll chat about the board’s legal duties (in the least boring way possible) and why they can’t just sign them away. Plus, we’ll offer real-world tips on how executive directors can manage these board relations better, ensuring everyone stays in their lane. And yes, we’ll even sprinkle in a bit of Oxford comma drama just to keep things interesting.

Whether you’re an ED who feels like you're juggling flaming torches or a staff member wishing for a little more autonomy, this episode is for you. We'll explore practical solutions like board training and third-party mediation to help smooth things out. Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe learn how to gently nudge your board in the right direction. And if all else fails, feel free to share this episode with a board member who could use a hint!

• Nonprofit boards: the captain's role, steering missions. Can a weak board be ousted?

• Drama alert: Board overreach vs. staff independence. Legal duties demand balance.

• Board-staff tension eases with a playful Oxford comma debate. Spicy grammar wars!

• Boards that delegate too much. Chasing resume clout, not nonprofit passion.

• Tips for executive directors: Manage board expectations and set boundaries. No more random tasks!

• Board-staff tensions? Training and a neutral party can help clear the air.

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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, my co-host Meghan and I are answering one of the top questions we get - what happens while an org’s nonprofit tax exempt status is pending?

We know that the IRS application process for 501(c)(3) status can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops, so we're here to break it down for you. We'll chat about the differences between the 1023-EZ form and the full 1023, and give you the lowdown on processing times and eligibility requirements. Plus, we'll answer a listener's burning question about whether you should wait for IRS approval before getting your nonprofit up and running. Spoiler alert: you don't have to just twiddle your thumbs!

But let's be real, starting a nonprofit isn't just about paperwork. It's about passion, community, and making a difference. We'll share some laughs and maybe a few zany stories as we explore the importance of community support in spreading your nonprofit's mission. We'll also talk about how you can start building those vital connections and getting things moving, even while you're waiting for that IRS letter to show up in your mailbox.

Finally, we'd love for you to join our growing community. Share this episode with your friends, hit that subscribe button, and don't forget to rate and review us. It really helps more people find us and get the support they need. And hey, if you've got a story or a question, reach out to us online. We're eager to hear from you and keep this conversation going. Thanks for being part of our journey into the world of nonprofits—you're not alone in this, and we're cheering you on every step of the way!

• The real differences between the 1023-EZ and the full 1023 form—quick snack vs. full-course meal for your nonprofit!

• How long it’ll take for the IRS to review your application

• What you can and can’t do after you file the application

• How to stay out of trouble before your letter comes in the mail

• What to tell donors when you’ve applied but haven’t gotten your status yet

Check out Next in Nonprofits: www.nextinnonprofits.com

Sign up for the 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.