107: All Aboard the Struggle Bus!

107: All Aboard the Struggle Bus!

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD March 7, 2024 Duration: 25:25

Jess is coming at you with another episode that's gonna knock your grant-seeking socks off.

In this episode of Charity Therapy, Jess is hanging out with the amazing Allison Welch, who's like a treasure hunter for grants, guiding us through the twists and turns of nonprofit funding. We're peeling back the curtain on that mysterious world of grant dollars, and it's not just about waving that 501(c)(3) magic wand and watching the money fall from the sky.

We're getting down to the nitty-gritty of what you really need to snag those grants – a mission statement that sticks, a rock-solid program that's just begging for support, and the financial storytelling that proves you're the real deal. And for a bit of real-world spice, we tackle a listener's pickle with reimbursement grants. Yep, they're as tricky as they sound, but fear not! We're sharing how they navigated those choppy waters and came out with their pockets full.

Now, don't go thinking this is your typical snooze-fest chat about funds and figures. Oh no, we're bringing the fun with our take on the funder-fundraiser dance, advocating for a buddy-buddy approach that could open doors to a goldmine of support. Plus, we're diving into the AI debate – can robots really help write grant proposals, or do they lack that human sparkle?

Tune in and get armed with the insider knowledge that could make all the difference for your nonprofit's future. Grab a snack, hit play, and let's conquer the grant game together!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Discover why 501(c)(3) status is just the start of your nonprofit's funding adventure

  • Learn the must-haves for snagging grants: a sharp mission, a solid program, and financial docs that share your money story

  • The lowdown on managing reimbursement grants

  • Change your tune on fundraising: think partnership—for a dance with donors that could mean big bucks

  • Chatting with funders and asking for advice to open doors to more moolah

  • AI in grant writing and why human touch wins for connecting with funders' hearts and wallets

  • Grants ain't fast food—they're a slow cook to success

Resources from this Episode

Allison Welch Consulting: www.allisonwelchconsulting.com

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

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

Follow and Review:

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.

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.


Ever find yourself wishing for a direct line to seasoned nonprofit leaders, a chance to unpack the real challenges that don’t make it into the glossy annual reports? Charity Therapy is that conversation. With host Jess Birken, who brings her background as a lawyer and a Master of Nonprofit Management to the table, each session feels like pulling up a chair with a trusted advisor. The discussions move beyond theory, tackling the granular details of operations that leaders actually face-whether it’s navigating a tricky IRS compliance question, rebuilding a fundraising strategy from the ground up, or managing the complex interpersonal dynamics that define any mission-driven team. This podcast digs into the operational heart of the sector, offering pragmatic insights you can apply directly to your own work. It’s a resource built on the understanding that running a nonprofit is a continuous practice of problem-solving, and Jess guides these explorations with clarity and a deep respect for the work. Tune in for honest dialogue that treats the daily grind of management as the serious and nuanced craft that it is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Charity Therapy
Podcast Episodes
Join Me on my Soapbox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:44
We're reviving a fan favorite for this episode, so roll up your sleeves and dust off that old book of parliamentary procedures. Do nonprofits legally need to follow Robert's Rules of Order in their board meetings? That's…
It's a Burner-Outer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:13
When you think about fundraising, lots of us think about DOLLARS. It's all about raising that revenue, dollar by dollar, right? But what if we changed the way we think about fundraising altogether? This week's guest, Noa…
Here Comes the Drama Sh#tstorm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:21
No matter what kind of nonprofit you run, it all depends on the people. Board, staff, volunteers, program participants, partners – it's humans involved that make the mission delivery happen. But where humans are involved…
Survey Says… [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:44
There are several different topics in the nonprofit sector that can reliably kick up some drama, and today we're talking about a big one – executive compensation. How much money should a nonprofit leader be paid? How muc…
Let's Get Existential [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:36
Shutting down a nonprofit organization is a whole messy process – from the legal requirements to the emotional impact, there's a lot to consider. Meghan and I teamed up for this episode to answer your questions about non…
Screaming into the Void [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:13
Social media for nonprofits – is it a huge opportunity, or just another task to add to your growing to-do list? I invited nonprofit social media consultant Julia Campbell to join me on this episode to talk all things soc…
Welcome to Survivor Island [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:04
If your nonprofit has voting members, that means your members have REAL LEGAL standing and rights. So, what happens when things go sideways with a voting member? Membership association expert and CEO of Management HQ Dar…
There Definitely Won't Be Bears [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:18
Fundraising – every nonprofit needs to do it, but not everyone knows how to do it. That's why Simon Scriver from Fundraising Everywhere and Everywhere+ joined me for this episode! We answer nonprofit questions about virt…
Perpetual Burnout Machine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:50
Lots of people assume that because nonprofits do good work, they must be a GREAT place to work. But here's the thing – the nonprofit sector is far from perfect, and there are unique issues that can tank a nonprofit's cul…

«1...678910