161: A Rinky-Dink Outfit | Why Recording In-Kind Donations Matters For Your Nonprofit

161: A Rinky-Dink Outfit | Why Recording In-Kind Donations Matters For Your Nonprofit

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD April 1, 2026 Duration: 16:21

Your nonprofit is doing real work, but do your financials show it?

In this episode, Meghan and I tackle a listener question from a small nonprofit that's running into a big problem: their numbers don't match their story. The for-profit company supporting them pays for nearly everything, but none of that shows up on the books, and funders are raising eyebrows.

Real Listener Question:

"Our employees, office space, and equipment are all paid for by a for-profit company and donated to our nonprofit. Our financials make it look like we're barely doing anything. I've been tasked with finding major funders and the narrative just doesn't match the numbers. What do I do?"

If your nonprofit receives donated goods, services, space, or time, this episode is for you. Meghan and I break down what in-kind donations are, why recording them matters, and how getting this right can completely change how funders see you.

What You'll Learn:

  • What counts as an in-kind donation and how to assign it a value
  • How to record donated office space, employee time, and services on your books
  • Why your financials need to tell the same story as your narrative
  • How in-kind contributions can strengthen your grant proposals
  • Why nonprofit bookkeeping is specialized and when to bring in the experts
  • The one thing you should never do when valuing a donor's gift

Bottom line: Your numbers tell a story whether you want them to or not. Make sure yours reflects the real work your nonprofit is doing.

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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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