127: Waiting for the Cat | Nonprofit Audits & Financial Transparency with Peter Farstad

127: Waiting for the Cat | Nonprofit Audits & Financial Transparency with Peter Farstad

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD December 12, 2024 Duration: 20:17

Today, we're diving deep into the world of nonprofit financial audits with my amazing guest, Peter Farstad. Peter is a pro when it comes to nonprofit finance, and he's here to help us unravel the sometimes scary world of audits and financial transparency. We know how daunting those big, scary financial statements can seem, especially if you're a Minnesota nonprofit pulling in over $750,000 a year.

In this episode of Charity Therapy, Peter and I chat about why sharing your financial audits with donors isn't just a good idea—it's a trust-builder! We totally get why your executive director might be hesitant about posting those reports online, especially if it's a new practice. But fear not! We'll give you the lowdown on gently nudging your organization toward more transparency, which is key for building donor trust and credibility. Plus, we throw in some humor and personal stories to keep things light because, let's face it, finances can be a snooze-fest without a little laughter.

Whether you're a new development director or a seasoned pro looking to up your game, this episode is packed with practical tips and a good dose of empathy. Let's dive in and make financial transparency a fun and achievable goal for your nonprofit!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Peter Farstad, a nonprofit finance whiz, breaks down the complicated world of nonprofit financial audits

  • Audit 101: If you're a nonprofit in Minnesota pulling in over $750k, you're in for a financial audit ride!

  • Resources like the National Council of Nonprofits for audits

  • Why transparency is key and a superpower for building trust with donors

  • How to handle the executive jitters about sharing financial audits

  • Tips on how to smooth over any internal awkwardness about financial transparency

  • Convincing your team that sharing is caring and how it can take your nonprofit to the next level

Resources from this Episode

Learn more about Peter's firm: nonprofitfinancialacumen.com

Find out your state's audit requirements here: www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/nonprofit-audit-guidec/state-law-nonprofit-audit-requirements

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
Let's Keep This Private [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:37
The nonprofit world throws out that "501(c)(3)" moniker left and right – but what does that really mean? The IRS doesn't always communicate in ways the average person can (or should!) understand. So let's break it down –…
Follow the Money [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:22
Just because your organization is striving to do good, thatdoesn'tmean you're exempt from having todeal with trolls and scammers. There's no scam exemption application you can file! So, what can YOU doto make sure the no…
It's Like an Onion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:51
Executive committees – what should they really do anyway? Spoiler alert – not as much as you think! Some nonprofit boards have a nasty habit of relying on an executive committee to be the board within the board, and that…
TLDR: Y'all Need Protection! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:07
You can't (and shouldn't!) envision every bad thing that might happen at a nonprofit. Nobody's got time for that! But you do need to be prepared and protected – and that means insurance! We're pulling this episode out of…
Periods of Baldness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:32
There's this phrase "no man is an island." Well, guess what – no nonprofit is an island, either. In this episode, we're talking about the different ways people try to hack the board of directors and hoard all the control…
Making Ch-ch-ch-changes! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
No one gets into nonprofit work because they LOVE all the paperwork, but that doesn't mean you're exempt from doing it (sorry!). There are some core documents that every nonprofit needs to keep up with – especially when…
Size Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:29
Nonprofits need to have a board - but how is that board supposed to make decisions? Today, we're getting into your board questions, all about redonk quorums, bureaucratic nightmares, and absentee board members. You don't…
Two Thumbs Down [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:13
Tis the season for… Giving Tuesday! The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, every nonprofit you've ever thought about will be contacting you about giving to their Giving Tuesday campaign. But should they? We're bringing our epis…
Onto the Next Chapter! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:22
We've got a vocab lesson for you today – what's the difference between a nonprofit chapter and a nonprofit affiliate? I don't blame you if you don't know - most people use those words interchangeably! How can you tell th…
Ghouls and Goblins Unite! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:24
Hang tight – we're going alllll the way back to our very first episode for this special Halloween celebration! Jordan Couch, lawyer from Tacoma and friend of the pod, came on to answer some ~spooky~ nonprofit questions a…