Hey there, nonprofit enthusiasts! In this episode of Charity Therapy, Jess is joined by her good friend and nonprofit fundraising guru, Ephraim Gopin, to chat about the highs and lows of Giving Tuesday and year-end fundraising. Spoiler alert: Ephraim isn’t the biggest fan of Giving Tuesday.

We dive into listener questions, including one from someone whose Giving Tuesday campaign didn't quite hit the mark. We discuss setting realistic goals and understanding donor moods—especially during the chaos of Thanksgiving when everyone's minds are on turkey and Black Friday deals.

Ephraim and I also explore alternative approaches, like Gratitude Tuesday, which is all about appreciating your donors instead of chasing after their wallets. Ephraim shares some fantastic advice on managing board members' expectations, emphasizing the importance of building relationships rather than just focusing on the almighty dollar. Plus, we highlight why sometimes skipping a Giving Tuesday campaign can actually be a strategic move backed by solid data.

Thanks for tuning in, and remember: fundraising is about building bonds, not just bucks!

• Tearing apart Giving Tuesday. Spoiler: Ephraim Gopin gives it two thumbs down!

• Setting goals is great, but setting realistic goals is even better

• Thanksgiving Vibes vs. December Giving Feels: Newsflash! People are more about turkey and travel during Thanksgiving

• Hitting board members with data and implementing Gratitude Tuesday

• Keep trying new things and learn from both your wins and your epic fails

Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: birkenlaw.com/signup

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

Sign up for the 1832 Communications newsletter: 1832communications.com/nonprofit-newsletter

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, 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

Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/

Facebook page: https://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.

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.

Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/

Facebook page: https://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.