127: Waiting for the Cat | Nonprofit Audits & Financial Transparency with Peter Farstad
Release Date: 12/12/2024
141: Justice for the 8 Cents! | How to Communicate Nonprofit “Overhead” Expenses
Charity Therapy
Nonprofits - how do YOU communicate about the dreaded “overhead” expenses? You know that pie chart everyone uses to show how much money goes directly to programs? Yeah, I want to toss it out the window. We'll talk about why those “eight cents” on the dollar that cover essential administrative expenses are not wasted but actually crucial for keeping your nonprofit running smoothly. In this episode, we’re tackling a nonprofit pro’s question about updating an employee handbook. Should you hire a pro bono lawyer who DOESN’T do employment law or invest in an HR expert? Spoiler alert:...
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140: Serenity Now | Can the President Seize a Nonprofit’s Assets?
Charity Therapy
On this episode of Charity Therapy, we’re answering the big question on a LOT of nonprofit leaders’ minds - what can the president really do to a nonprofit? We’re getting to the answer, but first - remember to take a deep breath and take care of yourself before taking any action for your nonprofit! There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty about what kind of measures the Trump administration could take against nonprofit. It’s easy to get lost in the conspiracy theories and “creative” ways to protect your mission. But no longer! Meghan and I break down the legal boundaries and explain...
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139: Counting On Our Fingers | Understanding The Long Wait Times for IRS Tax Exemption Applications
Charity Therapy
Welcome to another episode of Charity Therapy, where we tackle the chaos we're all experiencing at the IRS. In this episode, we're diving into the bewildering world of nonprofit tax exemptions. Imagine the IRS as a maze, and we're here to help you navigate it without losing your mind. We'll unpack why things are moving slower than molasses, from the recent leadership shuffle to the current eight-month wait for tax exemption applications. Dealing with the IRS isn't anyone's idea of a good time, but we're here to make it less painful. We’ll talk about how the revolving door of IRS...
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138: Trump Vs. Harvard | Can the President Revoke a Nonprofit’s Tax-Exempt Status?
Charity Therapy
In this episode of Charity Therapy, we’re tackling a big question from the headlines - can the President choose whether you get tax exemption? While President Trump may threaten a university like Harvard, what can he actually do? Meghan and I break down what the President can and cannot do with nonprofits AND what it would like to really lose your tax exemption. Spoiler alert - it’s not a quick process! In this episode, we’ll bust some myths and give you the lowdown on how these things really work and what to do if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation. Worried about the...
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137: This Is Not Mad Men | Advice for Executive Directors Managing Their Board with David Rhode
Charity Therapy
Welcome to this episode of Charity Therapy! I'm Jess Birken, and today we're diving into the wild world of nonprofit leadership. I've got , a super-smart nonprofit coach and author, joining me to give all kinds of advice for nonprofit executive directors. We're tackling a juicy listener question about a micromanaging board member who's causing a bit of a headache. Trust me, we've got some great strategies to share that'll help you balance gratitude with boundary-setting. Transitioning from a working board to a governing board can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark, especially...
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136: Please Sir, Can I Have Some More? | How to Thrive in Nonprofit Fundraising in 2025
Charity Therapy
Welcome to another episode of Charity Therapy, this time with the incredible Patrick Kirby! Together, we’re taking the fear out of fundraising. Patrick is here to help us shake off those common fundraising myths that might be holding us back. Think donations just happen magically once you get your C3 status? Or that fundraising is too intimidating? Think again! Patrick shows us how to embrace curiosity and see fundraising as a chance to make genuine human connections and grow your network. Plus, we chat about gearing up for the challenges of 2025, but with a positive twist! We celebrate the...
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135: One Big Nugget | What Nonprofits Need to Know About DEI & Trump’s Executive Order
Charity Therapy
It's Jess Birken here, and I'm thrilled to have you join me and Meghan for this episode of Charity Therapy. We're diving into the world of DEI (that's diversity, equity, and inclusion), specifically about the Trump administration’s Executive Order 14151, which is causing quite a stir. In this episode, we're tackling the fears and misconceptions head-on. We’ve got a listener question - is it still allowed to start a nonprofit that focuses on BIPOC access in the arts? Short answer? Yes! But we’ll talk about what the executive order IS doing to nonprofits who focus on DEI. Plus,...
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134: Witchcraft Ceremonies & Monster Truck Shows | Dissolving a Nonprofit with an SBA Disaster Loan
Charity Therapy
On today’s episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into nonprofit closures, especially when those COVID-19 EIDL loans are involved. If you’ve ever wondered what to do when your nonprofit has to shut down but you still owe Uncle Sam a bunch of cash, this episode is for you. What’s the deal with EIDL loans, and how do they affect your nonprofit when it’s time to close up shop? Meghan and I break it down, chatting about the steps you need to take and the legal stuff you might not have thought about. We’ll walk you through the ins and outs of handling these federal loans as...
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133: We’re All Pre-Fired | Hiring an Interim Executive Director with Roger Meyer
Charity Therapy
In this episode of Charity Therapy, let’s talk nonprofit leadership transitions! I'm your host, Jess Birken, and I've teamed up with Roger Meyer from Mighty Consulting to tackle the big questions: What happens when your nonprofit's founder suddenly steps down? How do you keep the ship steady when it feels like the captain just jumped overboard? We'll chat about the crucial role of an interim executive director, who can swoop in like a superhero to keep everything from falling apart. We're also taking a hard look at nonprofit boards. Is YOUR board ready to step up?. We'll explore how boards...
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132: Bigger and Better | Can the Trump Administration Target Nonprofits?
Charity Therapy
In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are answering the big question - can the Trump administration target nonprofits?. We’re getting real about the fears of funding cuts and increased scrutiny, and dive in on the looming threat of the HR 9495 bill, which could label some nonprofits as terrorist organizations. Keeping your nonprofit in good standing feels like a never-ending battle, especially with all this uncertainty swirling around. That's why we're sharing practical tips to help you armor up with preparedness and compliance. From IRS requirements to solid financial...
info_outlineToday, we’re diving deep into the world of nonprofit financial audits with my amazing guest, Peter Farstad. Peter is a pro when it comes to nonprofit finance, and he's here to help us unravel the sometimes scary world of audits and financial transparency. We know how daunting those big, scary financial statements can seem, especially if you're a Minnesota nonprofit pulling in over $750,000 a year.
In this episode of Charity Therapy, Peter and I chat about why sharing your financial audits with donors isn’t just a good idea—it’s a trust-builder! We totally get why your executive director might be hesitant about posting those reports online, especially if it’s a new practice. But fear not! We’ll give you the lowdown on gently nudging your organization toward more transparency, which is key for building donor trust and credibility. Plus, we throw in some humor and personal stories to keep things light because, let’s face it, finances can be a snooze-fest without a little laughter.
Whether you're a new development director or a seasoned pro looking to up your game, this episode is packed with practical tips and a good dose of empathy. Let’s dive in and make financial transparency a fun and achievable goal for your nonprofit!
In this episode, you will hear:
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Peter Farstad, a nonprofit finance whiz, breaks down the complicated world of nonprofit financial audits
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Audit 101: If you're a nonprofit in Minnesota pulling in over $750k, you're in for a financial audit ride!
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Resources like the National Council of Nonprofits for audits
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Why transparency is key and a superpower for building trust with donors
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How to handle the executive jitters about sharing financial audits
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Tips on how to smooth over any internal awkwardness about financial transparency
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Convincing your team that sharing is caring and how it can take your nonprofit to the next level
Resources from this Episode
Learn more about Peter’s firm: nonprofitfinancialacumen.com
Find out your state’s audit requirements here: www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/nonprofit-audit-guidec/state-law-nonprofit-audit-requirements
Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: birkenlaw.com/signup
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/birkenlaw
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Episode Credits
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.