In this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into the wild world where nonprofits and for-profit businesses collide.

Ever wondered what happens when one person owns both a nonprofit and a business? Spoiler alert: it can get messy. We'll answer your burning questions about these murky waters, help you spot the red flags, and remind you why transparency is crucial. Plus, we'll chat about how the IRS keeps a close eye on potential scams and insider deals.

We won't sugarcoat it—things can get shady when a nonprofit starts buying from its owner's business. We're talking about the nitty-gritty of private inurement and excess benefit transactions. If that sounds like a foreign language, don’t worry—we break it down in plain English. We'll even throw in some hypothetical scenarios to help you see the potential tax perks and pitfalls. Whether you're a nonprofit newbie or a seasoned pro, you'll leave this episode with a better understanding of what to watch out for.

Finally, we tackle the tricky topic of scams. They're not just harmful—they're often pointless, too! We encourage you to cut ties with any sketchy schemes and share your stories with us. Got a friend tangled up in a dubious venture? We'd love to hear about it and offer our take.

Remember, you're not alone on this nonprofit journey, and we're here to help you navigate it with a bit of humor and a lot of heart.

In this episode, you will hear:

Spotting sneaky nonprofit tricks: nonprofits linked to for-profit businesses and suspicious money flows between them

Why owning both a nonprofit and a for-profit can lead to IRS issues and is usually discouraged

How nonprofits purchase from the owner's business, hinting at potential misconduct

Scams, avoiding shady dealings, and adhering to nonprofit ethics

Nonprofits require effort and aren't a shortcut to riches

Resources from this Episode

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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.