120: Reanimating the Zombie | How to Restart a Dissolved Nonprofit Organization

120: Reanimating the Zombie | How to Restart a Dissolved Nonprofit Organization

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD September 5, 2024 Duration: 18:55

Today, Meghan and I are diving deep into the early years of running a nonprofit – that tricky "danger zone" between one to three years where everything feels like it's falling apart.

On this episode of Charity Therapy, we're chatting about how to tackle burnout, handle fundraising nightmares, and smooth out those internal squabbles that can really put a damper on things. Plus, we'll be answering a juicy listener question about reviving a nonprofit its president unilaterally dissolved. Spoiler alert: governance drama and IRS headaches ahead!

We'll walk you through the maze of bureaucratic steps needed to bring a dissolved nonprofit back to life – or decide if it's better off staying in the grave. We'll talk about the difference between a fully dissolved nonprofit and one that's just been left to gather dust and why that matters. Reapplying for 501(c)(3) status isn't exactly a walk in the park, but we have some tips to make it less daunting. But it's not all paperwork and processes – we also celebrate the incredible passion and dedication of nonprofit folks like you. Remember, focusing on the human element is key to long-term success and growth.

So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and join us for a conversation that's as insightful as it is relatable. And hey, if you enjoy this episode, do us a solid and leave a five-star review. Share it with anyone who might be struggling with their nonprofit journey. We're all in this together!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Why nonprofits often hit a "danger zone" in their first three years
  • The burnout, fundraising woes, and internal conflicts that spell trouble for a new nonprofit organization
  • A listener's situation where the president dissolved their nonprofit solo
  • How to potentially revive a nonprofit or start fresh
  • The difference between a fully dissolved nonprofit and one that's just been left hanging, and why it matters
  • The tricky process of reapplying for tax-exempt status with the IRS and understanding the procedural nitty-gritty
  • How to reanimate an abandoned nonprofit and the potential drama it could stir up
  • Why keeping the human side in mind is key to sustained growth and wellness

Resources from this Episode

Mission Guardian: www.missionguardian.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
109: SMART Goals & Cans of Worms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:38
I've got a real treat for you in this episode of Charity Therapy. It's all about finding that sweet spot for your nonprofit's mission and vision without tripping over those pesky legal lines. Meghan and I dive into why y…
108: Clover the B | Navigating Tax Status and Exploring IRS Forms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:21
Today on Charity Therapy, Meghan and I dive into the sometimes tricky and often murky waters of nonprofit tax exemption and financial compliance. Think of us as your guides on a thrilling trek through the IRS jungle, equ…
107: All Aboard the Struggle Bus! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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,…
106: Down With the Golf Tournament [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:10
You're about to dive into a podcast episode that's gonna change the game for your nonprofit's events. On this episode of Charity Therapy, Alicia Baraga joins Jess, and she's the superstar behind Ripple Event Marketing. W…
105: A Rose By Any Other Name… [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:51
Have you ever thought about what your nonprofit looks like to the rest of the world? Well, buckle up because we're diving headfirst into the wild world of branding with Justin Bieganek. We're not just talking logos and c…
104: To Be or Not 2B? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:00
Today on Charity Therapy, Jess shares some real talk about the wild world of nonprofit tax forms. Yeah, we know taxes can be a snooze fest, but stick with us! In this episode, we're bringing on the legendary Eve Borenste…
103: Buddy Systems & Sitcom Jingles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:10
Today, we're diving headfirst into the exciting world of nonprofit boards of directors - and specifically, how to bring in new board members! We know - it sounds like something only a paperwork-loving lawyer could adore,…
102: Jiminy Cricket Reporting for Duty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:21
On this episode of Charity Therapy, we're digging deep into fundraising - specifically, how to do it ethically. If we're going to be asking people for their hard-earned dollars, it's important that we do it right, right?…