119: How Do You Say Shower?! | Understanding DBAs and Assumed Names for Nonprofits

On this episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I cover the most important topic - the REAL differences between a Minnesotan and a Wisconsin accent!

But don't worry. We quickly shift gears to talk about something really important for nonprofits: DBAs (Doing Business As). We answer a listener's question about juggling legal name changes and DBAs without making things overly complicated. Trust me, you'll walk away with some practical tips to make your nonprofit life a whole lot easier.

In the second half of the episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of managing multiple DBAs for nonprofits. Meghan and I break down the annual compliance you need to keep up with and warn against filing unnecessary DBAs that just add to your workload. We even chat about how keeping an old DBA can help make rebranding smoother. Plus, we've got some funny anecdotes and past episodes to reference if you need a deeper dive into nonprofit branding. 

Whether you're a nonprofit newbie or a seasoned pro, join us for some laughs and loads of actionable advice. We'll help you navigate the maze of DBAs, compliance, and rebranding, all while keeping things light and fun. And don't forget to share your own quirky accent stories with us on social media—we'd love to hear from you!

In this episode, you will hear:

• What a DBA is for nonprofits
• Keeping things legal and clear for banks and the public
• A listener's question on filing multiple DBAs after a name change
• When you should file a DBA (hint - not just for the heck of it!)
• Strategies for rebranding
• Keeping an old DBA during a transition
• The headaches of managing multiple DBAs
• The need for annual state registration
• Risks of letting state registrations lapse
• Avoiding extra work and potential legal messes
• Avoiding being shady
• Only file DBAs if they solve real problems
• Over-filing creates more hassle and paperwork

Resources from this Episode

• Episode about branding & changing the nonprofit's name: https:/birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct105

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

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

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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.