141: Justice for the 8 Cents! | How to Communicate Nonprofit "Overhead" Expenses

141: Justice for the 8 Cents! | How to Communicate Nonprofit "Overhead" Expenses

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD June 26, 2025 Duration: 21:01

Nonprofits - how do YOU communicate about the dreaded "overhead" expenses? You know that pie chart everyone uses to show how much money goes directly to programs? Yeah, I want to toss it out the window. We'll talk about why those "eight cents" on the dollar that cover essential administrative expenses are not wasted but actually crucial for keeping your nonprofit running smoothly.

In this episode, we're tackling a nonprofit pro's question about updating an employee handbook. Should you hire a pro bono lawyer who DOESN'T do employment law or invest in an HR expert? Spoiler alert: Your uncle Larry, the PI lawyer, might not be the best fit here. It's all about making smart investments in your nonprofit's operations and HR to avoid headaches down the line. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later when you don't end up in a legal pickle.

So, grab your headphones and join us for a lively chat about transforming how nonprofits communicate their spending to donors. We promise some laughs, a few rants, and a whole lot of practical advice. And remember, it's okay to spend money on things that keep your nonprofit running well! Let's rethink the way we tell our financial stories and embrace the true costs of running an amazing organization.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Why you need to delete that outdated nonprofit overhead pie chart

  • Whether pro bono is the right way to go with your employment law needs

  • Some of our recommendations for tools to keep up with all the changing HR rules

  • The real relationship between the back-office and your direct mission programming

  • How you can REALLY communicate success to your donors

  • What your fiduciary duties really have to do with all our worries about "overhead"

Resources from this Episode

Propel Article - A Graphic Re-Visioning of Nonprofit Overhead: https://propelnonprofits.org/blog/a-graphic-re-visioning-of-nonprofit-overhead/

The Five Whys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_whys

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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

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