Ever wondered what nonprofits can and can't do when it comes to politics?

On today’s episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into the tricky world of political activities for 501c3 nonprofits. We'll chat about the dos and don'ts of voter engagement, why 501c3s can't endorse candidates, and how 501c4s have more wiggle room in the political arena. Plus, we touch on the buzz around the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025. Spoiler: it's more complicated than you think!

We also tackle some common misconceptions about how the IRS handles complaints about nonprofits. It's not as simple as just filling out a form and sending it off. We'll talk about the reality of IRS oversight, the importance of detailed documentation, and why state attorney generals might be your best bet if you suspect a nonprofit is up to no good. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly report nonprofit misconduct, this episode is a must-listen.

By the end of our chat, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the rules nonprofits need to follow, and you might even find some humor in the chaos of IRS paperwork (yes, really!). Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s navigate these nonprofit political regulations together.

• The political dos and don’ts of 501c3 nonprofits

• 501c4s have way more freedom in politics than 501c3s

• Can you really shut down Project 2025 by filing a complaint with the IRS?

• Why filling out Form 13909 isn’t a magic wand

• The IRS is like a turtle while, state attorney generals are more like watchdogs

• How a TikTok-driven complaint tsunami can further slow down the IRS

• File real evidence against a nonprofit with both the IRS and the state attorney general

IRS Form 13909: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13909.pdf

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In this episode of Charity Therapy, we’re diving deep into nonprofit finances to help you safeguard your organization from fraud.

We’ll walk you through essential internal controls like segregation of duties, setting up a budget, and making sure transactions get a second set of eyes. Trust me, even if your team feels like family, these steps are crucial to keep everything above board.

We also share a real-life nail-biter involving a nonprofit treasurer who’s up to no good—think missing funds and some shady behavior. We’ll break down the best ways to handle this sticky situation, from potentially taking legal action to quietly resolving things to protect your nonprofit’s good name. We’re here to help you figure out when to take the high road and when to call in the big guns.

Throughout the episode, we sprinkle in a bit of humor and empathy because, let’s face it, dealing with financial fraud can be super stressful. We’ll remind you that you’re not alone and give you practical tips to prevent these issues from cropping up in the first place.

Grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s tackle this together!

• The nitty-gritty of nonprofit financial controls

• Even if your team seems trustworthy, you still need those checks and balances!

• Why it's crucial to split up financial tasks among different people

• The dangers of having one person in charge of everything

• The magic of setting a budget and ensuring everyone’s on the same page about where the money’s going

• The juicy details of a real case where a nonprofit treasurer is suspected of sneaking $1,500 into their own account

• The tricky balance between going public and keeping things quiet

• Practical advice on whether to call the cops or handle fraud cases quietly to protect your nonprofit's reputation

• The difference between minor slip-ups and massive fraud.

• How to deal with each situation and the importance of protecting your nonprofit's assets

• Key tips on internal financial controls, using budgets wisely, and focusing on what’s best for your organization

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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.

What really goes into shutting down a nonprofit?

In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I explore the emotional and legal rollercoaster of nonprofit dissolution. We kick things off by exploring the tricky differences between closing a nonprofit versus a for-profit business. Trust us—it’s not as simple as just locking the doors. We even tackle a question from a listener about a struggling local chamber of commerce. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s time to close up shop, this is the episode for you!

But wait, there’s more! We delve into the nitty-gritty of what happens to any leftover funds when a nonprofit shuts down. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about cutting a check to another nonprofit. We walk you through settling debts and fees and discuss whether a nonprofit that has achieved its mission should celebrate its accomplishments or set new goals. Plus, we sprinkle in some laughs and moments to remind you that closing a chapter can sometimes be a cause for celebration.

Grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s navigate the complex and emotional world of nonprofit dissolution together.

• A listener's heartfelt dilemma about a local chamber of commerce that's stuck in the past and not keeping up with the times

• Why closing a nonprofit isn't as simple as shutting down a for-profit business

• The statutory process and why it takes six months, whether you have $2,000 or $2 million in the bank

• The complications of transferring the remaining funds to another nonprofit

• Whether a nonprofit that has achieved its mission should celebrate its success and dissolve or re-strategize for new goals

• The emotional toll of nonprofit dissolution

• A listener’s question about running leftover nonprofit funds through a personal bank account

• The importance of following the rules, even if it seems like no one’s watching

• Closing a nonprofit can be a reason to celebrate

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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.