119: How Do You Say Shower?! | Understanding DBAs and Assumed Names for Nonprofits

119: How Do You Say Shower?! | Understanding DBAs and Assumed Names for Nonprofits

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD August 22, 2024 Duration: 12:44

On this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I cover the most important topic - the REAL differences between a Minnesotan and a Wisconsin accent!

But don't worry. We quickly shift gears to talk about something really important for nonprofits: DBAs (Doing Business As). We answer a listener's question about juggling legal name changes and DBAs without making things overly complicated. Trust me, you'll walk away with some practical tips to make your nonprofit life a whole lot easier.

In the second half of the episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of managing multiple DBAs for nonprofits. Meghan and I break down the annual compliance you need to keep up with and warn against filing unnecessary DBAs that just add to your workload. We even chat about how keeping an old DBA can help make rebranding smoother. Plus, we've got some funny anecdotes and past episodes to reference if you need a deeper dive into nonprofit branding. 

Whether you're a nonprofit newbie or a seasoned pro, join us for some laughs and loads of actionable advice. We'll help you navigate the maze of DBAs, compliance, and rebranding, all while keeping things light and fun. And don't forget to share your own quirky accent stories with us on social media—we'd love to hear from you!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • What a DBA is for nonprofits
  • Keeping things legal and clear for banks and the public
  • A listener's question on filing multiple DBAs after a name change
  • When you should file a DBA (hint - not just for the heck of it!)
  • Strategies for rebranding
  • Keeping an old DBA during a transition
  • The headaches of managing multiple DBAs
  • The need for annual state registration
  • Risks of letting state registrations lapse
  • Avoiding extra work and potential legal messes
  • Avoiding being shady
  • Only file DBAs if they solve real problems
  • Over-filing creates more hassle and paperwork

Resources from this Episode

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