116: We Don't Need to Be Cops | Financial Fraud in Nonprofits

116: We Don't Need to Be Cops | Financial Fraud in Nonprofits

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD July 11, 2024 Duration: 18:48

In this episode of Charity Therapy, we're diving deep into nonprofit finances to help you safeguard your organization from fraud.

We'll walk you through essential internal controls like segregation of duties, setting up a budget, and making sure transactions get a second set of eyes. Trust me, even if your team feels like family, these steps are crucial to keep everything above board.

We also share a real-life nail-biter involving a nonprofit treasurer who's up to no good—think missing funds and some shady behavior. We'll break down the best ways to handle this sticky situation, from potentially taking legal action to quietly resolving things to protect your nonprofit's good name. We're here to help you figure out when to take the high road and when to call in the big guns.

Throughout the episode, we sprinkle in a bit of humor and empathy because, let's face it, dealing with financial fraud can be super stressful. We'll remind you that you're not alone and give you practical tips to prevent these issues from cropping up in the first place.

Grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's tackle this together!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • The nitty-gritty of nonprofit financial controls

  • Even if your team seems trustworthy, you still need those checks and balances!

  • Why it's crucial to split up financial tasks among different people

  • The dangers of having one person in charge of everything

  • The magic of setting a budget and ensuring everyone's on the same page about where the money's going

  • The juicy details of a real case where a nonprofit treasurer is suspected of sneaking $1,500 into their own account

  • The tricky balance between going public and keeping things quiet

  • Practical advice on whether to call the cops or handle fraud cases quietly to protect your nonprofit's reputation

  • The difference between minor slip-ups and massive fraud. 

  • How to deal with each situation and the importance of protecting your nonprofit's assets

  • Key tips on internal financial controls, using budgets wisely, and focusing on what's best for your organization

Resources from this Episode

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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.


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
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