129: Varying Degrees of F'd Up | Giving Up Your IRS Nonprofit Status

129: Varying Degrees of F'd Up | Giving Up Your IRS Nonprofit Status

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD January 9, 2025 Duration: 13:44

On today's episode of Charity Therapy, we're diving right in with a big question - what REALLY makes a nonprofit a nonprofit? (Spoiler alert - it's more than just the IRS status!) If you ever wondered if a nonprofit should really just be a regular for-profit business, we've got some juicy ideas (and a reality check) for you.

We'll share a listener's story about a farmer's market that lost its nonprofit status and wants to switch gears to become a for-profit. It's not as simple as it sounds! We're here to break down the details, explain what really happens when you lose your IRS tax-exempt status, and help you really understand the differences between nonprofits and for-profits. Trust us, you'll want to hear this before making any big moves!

We'll unravel common misconceptions and help you navigate these tricky transitions without getting lost. Remember, whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the nonprofit waters, we're here to support you every step of the way. Enjoy the episode, and don't forget to share it with your friends who might be pondering the same questions!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Unpacking the differences between owning a for-profit business and operating a nonprofit

  • Why converting isn't just a walk in the park but more like a complex dance

  • A listener's question about a farmer's market losing its nonprofit status: Can it just become a small business?

  • Why losing tax-exempt status doesn't mean you're suddenly a for-profit.

  • The implications of operating without income tax exemption 

  • When you need to seek out some professional advice

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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