In this episode of Charity Therapy, let’s talk nonprofit leadership transitions! I'm your host, Jess Birken, and I've teamed up with Roger Meyer from Mighty Consulting to tackle the big questions: What happens when your nonprofit's founder suddenly steps down? How do you keep the ship steady when it feels like the captain just jumped overboard? We'll chat about the crucial role of an interim executive director, who can swoop in like a superhero to keep everything from falling apart.

We're also taking a hard look at nonprofit boards. Is YOUR board ready to step up?. We'll explore how boards can be ready for big changes, genuinely understand their organization's financial health, and avoid the chaos of unexpected leadership changes. Plus, Roger has some solid advice on why you shouldn't rush to promote the next person in line without a game plan.

Finally, I want you to know you're not alone on this journey. We all need a little help sometimes, and this episode offers some guidance and support. Feel free to join our community by sharing your thoughts and questions, and help us keep this important conversation about nonprofit management going. Thanks for tuning in, and let's tackle these challenges together!

• What an interim executive director does, and how they can be the superhero of your next executive transition period

• Why the board needs to rally and realize their full power to keep things on track

• The reason board members need to truly care about the mission and not just be seat-fillers

• How the big question of money will affect leadership decisions

• Why rushing to fill the executive director role can lead to chaos

• Cost-effective solutions when you can’t hire an interim ED

• How to keep your cool and be intentional in the face of big change

Learn About Roger & Mighty Consulting: mightyconsulting.org

Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: birkenlaw.com/signup

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

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.

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.

In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are answering the big question - can the Trump administration target nonprofits?. We’re getting real about the fears of funding cuts and increased scrutiny, and dive in on the looming threat of the HR 9495 bill, which could label some nonprofits as terrorist organizations.

Keeping your nonprofit in good standing feels like a never-ending battle, especially with all this uncertainty swirling around. That's why we're sharing practical tips to help you armor up with preparedness and compliance. From IRS requirements to solid financial controls, we've got your back. Plus, we talk about the power of building a supportive network of like-minded pros who align with your mission.

So, what can you do to stay afloat in these tumultuous times? First, keep your affairs in order, and maybe stash away a legal defense fund—just in case. Professionalizing your bookkeeping might sound boring, but trust us, it’s a game-changer. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, download our survival guide for more detailed advice.

We're all in this together, and with a little preparation and a dash of humor, we’ll help you steer your nonprofit through whatever comes next.

• Potential threats to nonprofits during the Trump administration, especially on those working in immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive rights

• The concerns surrounding losing funding just because your nonprofit promotes diversity and inclusion

• Tips for staying compliant with IRS rules, beefing up your financial controls, and making sure your books are squeaky clean

• All the details on the HR 9495 bill, which could let the government label nonprofits as terrorist organizations without much evidence

• How to protect your organization, no matter your mission

Download our 2025 Survival Guide for nonprofits: www.birkenlaw.com/2025-survival-guide

See OFAC Rules question on IRS 1023: www.irs.gov/instructions/i1023#en_US_202412_publink100022027

Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: birkenlaw.com/signup

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

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.

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.

Hey there, it's Jess, and I'm so glad you're tuning in to this episode of Charity Therapy. We're diving into the choppy waters of nonprofit funding, especially with all the political changes shaking things up. Meghan and I are here to help you navigate these uncertain times.

We'll talk about the crucial role federal funding plays in supporting nonprofits, particularly those focused on important causes like racial justice and reproductive rights. Plus, we'll chat about how economic factors like inflation could change how donors think about giving.

Feeling a bit panicky about the potential funding shifts? You're not alone! We know it's easy to let fear take the wheel, but we've got some tips to keep you grounded. We'll discuss why separating your emotional reactions from strategic planning is essential. We'll also cover the importance of having a backup plan and knowing when to make tough decisions, like prioritizing staff retention or preparing for the worst-case scenario. We'll even tackle a real-life question from a social services agency board member about adapting funding strategies in these unpredictable times.

Grab a cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger), and join us as we explore the world of nonprofit funding. We'll laugh, we'll commiserate, and most importantly, we'll share strategies to help you stay resilient and prepared for whatever comes your way. So, if you're ready to face the funding rollercoaster with a bit of humor and a whole lot of heart, hit play, and let's dive in!

• What we know (or don’t know) about upcoming changes to federal nonprofit funding
• The vital role of federal dollars in supporting nonprofits, especially those focusing on hot topics like racial justice and reproductive rights
• Keeping calm and planning ahead instead of letting panic steer the ship
• What is “rage giving” and how it might change with today’s economic challenges, like inflation and corporate decisions like Target's recent DEI pullback
• A board member's question sparks an honest talk about diversification struggles and how to prepare for the unexpected
• How to get to know your nonprofit’s financial picture. What’s your backup plan if the money train derails?

Download our 2025 Survival Guide for nonprofits: www.birkenlaw.com/2025-survival-guide

Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

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.

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.