118: Playing Fairy Godmother | Choosing a Successor Organization in a Nonprofit Dissolution

118: Playing Fairy Godmother | Choosing a Successor Organization in a Nonprofit Dissolution

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD August 8, 2024 Duration: 14:37

Welcome to another episode of Charity Therapy! This time, Meghan and I dive into the emotional and often tricky process of nonprofit dissolution. It's a rollercoaster.

We'll talk about what happens to leftover funds and how to make sure they go to the right places, respect donor wishes, and keep the nonprofit's mission alive. Plus, we've got some advice for a former executive director wrestling with how to distribute those remaining funds in a meaningful way. Spoiler: sometimes, overthinking can be the real villain.

In the second half of the episode, we flip the script and invite you to join our community. We want to hear your stories, questions, and feedback—anonymously, of course. Your ratings and comments, especially those shiny five-star ones on Apple, help us keep bringing valuable content to the nonprofit world. And hey, I even compare our intense discussion to taking a cold shower—refreshing but definitely eye-opening.

Lastly, remember, we're all in this together. The nonprofit world can be tough, but you're not alone. Grab your headphones, get comfy, and let's dive into this heartfelt and insightful episode. You won't want to miss it!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • The tricky process of dissolving a nonprofit

  • How to handle leftover funds without breaking a sweat

  • IRS guidelines for transferring assets

  • A former executive director's question about making big donations to a few nonprofits or spreading the money around

  • The emotional struggle of letting go of a nonprofit closing down

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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