002: The Sky is Falling

from Charity Therapy · host Jess Birken

In this episode of Charity Therapy, we're taking on the tricky world of conflicts of interest in the nonprofit sector. Have you ever wondered if having family or friends on your board is okay or whether hiring a board member's offspring to build your website might raise some eyebrows? Don't fret - you're not alone! We're all about busting myths and providing clear, simple information on this often misunderstood topic. Let's talk about conflicts of interest - and no, I don't mean your run-of-the-mill arguments or disagreements. We're talking about divided loyalties and competing interests that could cloud decision-making in your nonprofit. A listener got us started on this journey by sharing their concerns about founding a nonprofit with family members on the board. It's not illegal, but it sure does make things interesting! We explore how to identify potential conflict-ridden situations, and we've got some handy strategies to manage these instances like a pro. Finally, we share some insider tips on setting expectations and policies, the importance of transparency and disclosure, and how to support each other through the process. Remember, it's not about avoiding conflicts altogether but knowing how to navigate them when they do come up. Buckle up and join us for an episode packed with advice, insights, and a healthy dose of humor - because who says you can't laugh while learning about nonprofit governance? Whether you're a seasoned pro or just strapping on your nonprofit boots, this episode is for you. In this episode, you will hear: What a conflict of interest REALLY is (Hint - it's not just about disagreements! What it means to have divided loyalties and competing interests Whether it's okay to have friends and family on the board of a new nonprofit Whether you can hire a board member's family member through a nonprofit The importance of conflict of interest policies in nonprofits Conflicts are not inherently bad and don't have to be terrifying Pro tips to make the process of dealing with conflicts so much easier for your board Resources from this Episode Check out Mission Guardian Toolkit, a legal resources subscription: missionguardian.com/toolkit Sign up for Birken Law Email list: birkenlaw.com/signup Facebook page: www.facebook.com/birkenlaw Follow and Review: 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. 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.

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