139: Counting On Our Fingers | Understanding The Long Wait Times for IRS Tax Exemption Applications
Release Date: 05/29/2025
141: Justice for the 8 Cents! | How to Communicate Nonprofit “Overhead” Expenses
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140: Serenity Now | Can the President Seize a Nonprofit’s Assets?
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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
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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
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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
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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_outlineWelcome 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 commissioners is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for the IRS. But don't worry, we have advice to help you handle these long wait times and the importance of precise tax filings. Remember, you're not alone in this—reach out for professional help if you need it.
Finally, let's share some laughs and commiserate over the IRS adventures we’ve all faced. We invite you to share your own IRS stories, because who doesn't love a good tale of bureaucratic woe? .
In this episode, you will hear:
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Why the IRS is taking forever (like eight months!) to process nonprofit tax exemption applications and how this affects you
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The chaotic leadership changes at the IRS
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The scoop on how this IRS turmoil impacts nonprofits and why your tax filings need to be spot-on right now
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Long waits and grumpy calls with the IRS, and why you should get your nonprofit paperwork right the first time
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Tips and tricks to streamline your nonprofit's tax exemption process and minimize stress during these uncertain times
Resources from this Episode
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Episode Credits
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