Size Matters
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…
Charity Therapy
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.
Episodes
Two Thumbs Down
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!
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!
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…
Join Me on my Soapbox
We're reviving a fan favorite for this episode, so roll up your sleeves and dust off that old book of parliamentary procedures. Do nonprofits legally need to follow Robert's Rules of Order in their board meetings? That's…
It's a Burner-Outer
When you think about fundraising, lots of us think about DOLLARS. It's all about raising that revenue, dollar by dollar, right? But what if we changed the way we think about fundraising altogether? This week's guest, Noa…
Here Comes the Drama Sh#tstorm
No matter what kind of nonprofit you run, it all depends on the people. Board, staff, volunteers, program participants, partners – it's humans involved that make the mission delivery happen. But where humans are involved…
Survey Says…
There are several different topics in the nonprofit sector that can reliably kick up some drama, and today we're talking about a big one – executive compensation. How much money should a nonprofit leader be paid? How muc…
Let's Get Existential
Shutting down a nonprofit organization is a whole messy process – from the legal requirements to the emotional impact, there's a lot to consider. Meghan and I teamed up for this episode to answer your questions about non…
Screaming into the Void
Social media for nonprofits – is it a huge opportunity, or just another task to add to your growing to-do list? I invited nonprofit social media consultant Julia Campbell to join me on this episode to talk all things soc…
