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  • 161: A Rinky-Dink Outfit | Why Recording In-Kind Donations Matters For Your Nonprofit

    161: A Rinky-Dink Outfit | Why Recording In-Kind Donations Matters For Your Nonprofit
    2026/04/01
    Your nonprofit is doing real work, but do your financials show it? In this episode, Meghan and I tackle a listener question from a small nonprofit that's running into a big problem: their numbers don't match their story. The for-profit company supporting them pays for nearly everything, but none of that shows up on the books, and funders are raising eyebrows. Real Listener Question: "Our employees, office space, and equipment are all paid for by a for-profit company and donated to our nonprofit. Our financials make it look like we're barely doing anything. I've been tasked with finding major funders and the narrative just doesn't match the numbers. What do I do?" If your nonprofit receives donated goods, services, space, or time, this episode is for you. Meghan and I break down what in-kind donations are, why recording them matters, and how getting this right can completely change how funders see you. What You'll Learn: What counts as an in-kind donation and how to assign it a valueHow to record donated office space, employee time, and services on your booksWhy your financials need to tell the same story as your narrativeHow in-kind contributions can strengthen your grant proposalsWhy nonprofit bookkeeping is specialized and when to bring in the expertsThe one thing you should never do when valuing a donor's gift Bottom line: Your numbers tell a story whether you want them to or not. Make sure yours reflects the real work your nonprofit is doing. Resources from this Episode Learn about the value of volunteer time at Independent Sector: https://independentsector.org/research/value-of-volunteer-time/Quickbooks for Nonprofits Facebook Group from Megan Genest Tarnow: https://www.facebook.com/groups/QB4NPsPrevious Episode: Can Business Interruption Insurance Help Nonprofits Who Closed During ICE Raids? With Cody Wiswasser: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct160-nonprofit-business-insuranceEpisode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT161_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon MusicRate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review"Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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    16 分
  • 160: Indiana vs Minnesota Throwdown | Can Business Interruption Insurance Help Nonprofits Who Closed During ICE Raids? With Cody Wiswasser

    160: Indiana vs Minnesota Throwdown | Can Business Interruption Insurance Help Nonprofits Who Closed During ICE Raids? With Cody Wiswasser
    2026/03/19
    Your nonprofit closed its doors because of ICE enforcement or federal funding cuts. Is there an insurance policy that could actually help? Maybe, but the answer is a lot more complicated than you'd hope. In this episode, I'm joined by Cody Wiswasser, an insurance professional at Community Partners Insurance Group, to dig into my questions. With so much uncertainty hitting nonprofits right now, I needed to know whether business interruption insurance is something my clients should actually be thinking about. Here's the situation: Can nonprofits get business interruption insurance? Are closures for ICE raids or funding cuts covered? Cody breaks down how business interruption coverage works, what it actually takes to file a claim, and why the fine print in your policy matters. What You'll Learn: What business interruption insurance is and whether your nonprofit qualifiesThe difference between standard and standalone coverageWhen a closure actually triggers a claim and when it doesn'tHow your nonprofit's specific mission affects your coverage optionsWhy you need to understand your coverage BEFORE filing a claim Bottom line: Insurance isn't a magic bullet, but it DOES matter for nonprofits. For nonprofits that qualify, business interruption coverage could be important for them. Resources from this Episode Learn more Community Partners Insurance Group at https://communitypartnersins.comContact Cody for your insurance needs at cody.wiswasser@cpiginsurance.comWhich States Are In The Midwest? Get mad here: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/what-states-are-in-the-midwest/Previous Episode: Can You Use Your Retirement Funds to "Invest" In A Nonprofit? With Jeff Beck: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/159-invest-retirement-fundsEpisode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT160_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/Cody Wiswasser – reach out at: cody.wiswasser@cpiginsurance.com Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon MusicRate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review"Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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    21 分
  • 159: Reporter on the Street | Can You Use Retirement Funds to "Invest" In A Nonprofit? With Jeff Beck

    159: Reporter on the Street | Can You Use Retirement Funds to "Invest" In A Nonprofit? With Jeff Beck
    2026/03/05

    Do you know someone eyeing their retirement accounts to fund their nonprofit dreams? We need to talk!

    In this episode, I'm joined by Jeff Beck, a wealth advisor at COE Financial Group, to tackle a listener question that had me equal parts fascinated and horrified.

    Real Listener Question:

    "My partner has a traditional IRA with about $100,000 in it. Can she invest that money in my 501(c)(3) without penalties? Do we need to set up a for-profit company for her IRA to invest in first? Are there IRS rules against her investing in something I founded and run?"

    Jeff and I dig into the mechanics of IRAs, self-directed accounts, and what the IRS actually allows when it comes to retirement funds and charitable giving.

    Spoiler alert: nonprofits DO NOT have shareholders so you can't "invest" in them and get a return! There are some serious red flags here, both on the legal side AND in this interpersonal relationship.

    What You'll Learn:

    • Why you can't really "invest" in a nonprofit
    • How giving to a nonprofit can benefit an individual's tax position
    • What a self-directed IRA is and what you get to do with it
    • One legitimate way to donate your IRA funds to a nonprofit tax-free
    • Why getting "returns" on your contribution can put a nonprofit's tax-exemption at risk
    • How you can financially hurt yourself when you're starting a new organization

    Bottom line: Using your (or your significant other's) retirement fund to set up your new business is probably NOT a good idea. Protect yourself, protect your partner, and please, let that IRA grow.

    Resources from this Episode

    • Learn more about Jeff Beck at Coe Financial Group: https://www.coefinancial.com/
    • Previous Episode: How Nonprofits Can Find and Hire a Good Lawyer https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/158-hiring-lawyer/
    • Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT159_Transcript.pdf

    Connect with Us

    • Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/
    • Jeff Beck – reach out at Jeff@coefinancial.com

    Listen & Engage

    • Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music
    • Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review"
    • Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story

    Stay Connected

    • Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/
    • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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    23 分
  • 158: Is Your Ringer On? | How Nonprofits Can Find and Hire a Good Lawyer

    158: Is Your Ringer On? | How Nonprofits Can Find and Hire a Good Lawyer
    2026/02/19

    Finding a lawyer should not feel harder than solving the legal problem itself. And yet, here we are.

    In this episode, Meghan and I talk about something that comes up constantly in my nonprofit law practice: how nonprofit leaders and boards actually find a good lawyer and how to tell whether someone is the right fit.

    Real Listener Question:

    "I am a board member tasked with finding my small nonprofit a lawyer. I am trying to collect five options for the board to review and have the board interview each lawyer. I've prepared an RFP to get information from as many firms as possible. Is there anything else I'm supposed to do to make sure we did a fair search?"

    We dig into why hiring a lawyer is not the same as hiring other vendors and why an RFP is often the wrong tool for the job. We talk about common misconceptions nonprofits have about fairness, pricing, and process, and why trying to copy large institutions can backfire for smaller organizations. This conversation also pulls back the curtain on how lawyers actually work, what red flags to watch for, and how to avoid overcomplicating a decision that already feels overwhelming.

    What You'll Learn:

    • How nonprofits typically find lawyers
    • Why RFPs usually do not work for legal services
    • What legal expertise actually looks like
    • How pricing structures should be discussed
    • Warning signs early in the relationship
    • Why "cheapest" is not always best
    • How to trust your gut while doing due diligence

    Bottom line: Hiring a lawyer does not require a perfect process. It requires clarity, trust, and a focus on finding someone who understands your nonprofit and can actually help you.

    Resources from this Episode

    • Previous Episode: How Classy May Be Hurting Your Donor Relationships: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct157-classy-donor-acknowledgement/
    • Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT158_Transcript.pdf

    Connect with Us

    • Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/
    • Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/

    Listen & Engage

    • Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music
    • Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review"
    • Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story

    Stay Connected

    • Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/
    • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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    24 分
  • 157: Old Woman Shakes Fist at Sky | How Classy May Be Hurting Your Donor Relationships

    157: Old Woman Shakes Fist at Sky | How Classy May Be Hurting Your Donor Relationships
    2026/02/05
    Nonprofit newsflash - your donation platform might be quietly annoying your biggest donors 😬 In this episode, Meghan and I dig into some nonprofit LinkedIn drama sparked by a post from the one and only Eve Borenstein. Here's the situation: You gave a big donation, and you received an auto-generated donation receipt from the org's donation platform. The problem? The gift acknowledgement letter and receipt are WRONG. We break down why donor acknowledgement letters matter so much, what the IRS actually requires in those receipts for gifts over $250, and how automated systems can unintentionally damage donor trust. We also talk about the growing trend of for profit software companies promising to "handle everything" for nonprofits while missing critical compliance details. If you rely on online donation platforms, this conversation will likely make you rethink what you are outsourcing and what still needs human attention. What You'll Learn: What SHOULD be in your donor acknowledgement lettersHow bad receipts can create donor frustrationWhere donation platforms and tech solutions for nonprofits can fall shortHow automation can quietly hurt your donor retention Bottom line: Donor relationships are built on trust and gratitude. When your systems create friction instead of appreciation, even unintentionally, it can cost you future support and credibility. Resources from this Episode Listen to our past episode with Eve Borenstein here: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct104/Read Eve Borenstein's LinkedIn post about Classy here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/taxexemptlaw_so-annual-gripe-continues-last-week-activity-7412874086961541120-7bsN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAEjProBQJRvgNexcp-oDkRTlIoUrU5fW7QListen to our last episode with Ephraim about GoFundMe here: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct150/Generate a good Gift Acknowledgement Letter here: https://birkenlaw.com/mg-document-app/gift-acknowledgment-letter/Previous Episode: Can Nonprofits Give Tax-Free Money to People?: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/156-nonprofit-give-money/Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CT157_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon MusicRate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review"Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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    21 分
  • 156: Captain Depressio Reporting for Duty | Can Nonprofits Give Tax-Free Money to People?

    156: Captain Depressio Reporting for Duty | Can Nonprofits Give Tax-Free Money to People?
    2026/01/22

    Nonprofits are tax-exempt, so lots of people assume that nonprofits don't have to worry about taxes ever. Right???? Well, not quite 😐

    In this episode, Meghan and I dig into a question I hear all the time from people who want to help their communities but are confused about how nonprofit tax rules actually work.

    Real Listener Question:

    "I own a couple of restaurants and we have several events to raise money for certain causes. Usually the money goes toward a charity or a local group, but sometimes we'll do it for a community member who needs financial support. The problem we're seeing is that when we give money to an individual, it messes up their taxes for the year. My bookkeeper suggested starting a nonprofit since nonprofit money isn't taxed. What kind of nonprofit would do that for us?"

    Quick answer – nonprofit tax exemption does NOT mean that everyone can ignore taxes for any money coming from a nonprofit. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

    In this episode, we unpack what tax exempt status really means (and what it absolutely does not mean). We talk about why starting a nonprofit does not magically make money tax free, how the IRS views giving cash to individuals, and where well-intentioned advice can lead to trouble for nonprofits AND their constituents.

    What You'll Learn:

    • What tax deductible actually means for donors
    • Why nonprofits cannot fundraise for specific individuals
    • How giving money to people is treated for tax purposes
    • Why starting a nonprofit doesn't prevent you from all taxes
    • What private benefit and step transactions are
    • Why sometimes the best answer is simply to pay the tax

    Bottom line: Nonprofits aren't a magic bullet to absolve you of all tax complications. Usually, starting a nonprofit doesn't make your charitable activities easier – in fact, sometimes it's best just to continue on with the good deeds you already do.

    Resources from this Episode

    • Previous Episode: What to do when a donor gifts harms more than helps: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/155-donor-gifts/
    • Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CT156_Transcript.pdf

    Connect with Us

    • Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/
    • Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/

    Listen & Engage

    • Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music
    • Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review"
    • Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story

    Stay Connected

    • Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/
    • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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    16 分
  • 155: Baby Don't Hurt Me | What To Do When a Donor Gift Harms More Than Helps

    155: Baby Don't Hurt Me | What To Do When a Donor Gift Harms More Than Helps
    2026/01/08
    You're getting donations for a nonprofit – and that's great! But sometimes generosity comes with strings you never expected. In this episode, Meghan and I dig into the wild world of donor gifts and why nonprofits need clear guardrails to protect themselves from gifts that actually hurt the nonprofit. Real Listener Question: "We have a donation button on our website where people can give online and set up recurring donations for monthly contributions. A few weeks ago, someone set up a daily 50 cent donation. Our accountant looked into it and is saying that it's not fraud or anything like that, but it just seems really silly. Our payment processor takes $0.30 out per transaction plus a merchant fee, so we're getting next to nothing on these donations. What do I do?" This tiny daily gift opens the door to a much bigger conversation about gift acceptance policies and the hidden costs of donations. Meghan and I talk through the drawbacks, the admin time, the donor relationship dynamics, and the surprising ways well-intentioned gifts can actually drain your resources. We also break down how to set minimums, how to talk to donors with compassion, and how to avoid getting stuck with gifts that cost more than they give back. What You'll Learn: Why every nonprofit needs a gift acceptance policyHow to know when a gift creates more harm than helpsThe hidden administrative costs behind every single donationWays to set smart donation minimumsHow to redirect donors without damaging the relationshipWhy saying no is actually part of stewardshipHow to prepare for unusual gifts before they show up Bottom line: Not every gift is a positive thing for a nonprofit. Sometimes you need to say no and guiding donors toward giving that truly supports your mission. Resources from this Episode Generate a Gift Acceptance Policy here: https://birkenlaw.com/mg-document-app/gift-acceptance-policy/For the others who aren't Gen-Xers, Night at the Roxbury: https://youtu.be/HwVh8pmOot4?si=2v3D5MAKXDFGteT_Previous Episode: What is a Nonprofit Audit with Hannah Hugen: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct154-nonprofit-audit-hannah-hugen/Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CT155_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/Meghan Heitkamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-heitkamp-829254115/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon MusicRate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review"Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-story Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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    17 分
  • 154: It's Gravy, Baby! | What is a Nonprofit Audit? with Hannah Hugen

    154: It's Gravy, Baby! | What is a Nonprofit Audit? with Hannah Hugen
    2025/12/24
    Think an audit is something to fear for your nonprofit? I get it! But what if it's actually a powerful tool for growth? In this episode, I sit down with nonprofit auditor Hannah Hugen from Abdo to unpack what an audit really is and why it's not nearly as scary as it sounds. Real Listener Question: "We filed the 1023-EZ and said we'd stay under $50K… but now a funding opportunity would push us past that. Will the IRS audit us? Should we say no to the money?" Hannah and I dig into what an audit actually involves, what the IRS does (and doesn't) care about, and how nonprofits can prepare for growth without panicking. We also talk through the "scary myths" that float around new organizations and the real steps you can take now to avoid future chaos. If you've ever wondered what auditors look for, how to document properly, or what GAAP even means, this conversation breaks it down in plain English. What You'll Learn: What a nonprofit audit actually isWhen the IRS might look at your organization and why it's not as dramatic as rumors implyHow to show good-faith financial projections from your 1023-EZWhy documentation habits will save your future selfThe difference between cash and accrual accountingPractical steps to get audit-ready even if you're small Bottom line: You don't need to fear audits — you just need systems, clarity, and good habits. Your nonprofit deserves room to grow, and the right preparation makes that growth possible without being overwhelmed. Resources from this Episode Understanding Cash vs. Accrual Accounting: https://youtu.be/5tSI1IPBVWkInternal Controls 101: https://birkenlaw.com/blog/internal-controls-101/Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-hugen-b0045a1b5/Learn about Abdo: https://abdosolutions.com/Previous Episode: How to Fix the Culture of Overwork at Your Nonprofit with Rachel Platt https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct153/Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CT154HH_Transcript.pdf Connect with Us Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/ Listen & Engage Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon MusicRate & Review on Apple Podcasts: Click "Ratings and Reviews" then "Write a Review"Send us your nonprofit questions: https://birkenlaw.com/podcast/#podcast-st Stay Connected Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/ Follow us on Facebory ook, Instagram, Twitter
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    18 分