Do you have a passion for a cause you want to serve? If you feel called to start your own charitable venture and meet a need, you must know how to get it off the ground. Whether you’re aiming to protect an endangered animal in your region or support a disadvantaged group of people, here is how to start a successful charity.
Write a Mission Statement
Charities are born by sitting down with a pen and paper and being specific. Talk to your friends and family about how you should differentiate your charity’s mission from others that overlap with your area. It may be better to team up with another local organization if you don’t see what sets yours apart. But if you’re fulfilling a need that’s ignored, describe your work’s necessity in detail through your mission statement.
Plan Your Fundraising and Operation
To further gain credibility, plan how you’ll make money and run your charity. You’ll need to demonstrate fundraising forethought. Lay out your timelines and methods for fundraising, your goals, and how you’ll keep track of what money comes in. If you’re nervous about attracting donors, it’s helpful to look at a guide on encouraging charitable giving. Then describe the projects and day-to-day tasks that require money and prepare your anticipated expenses.
Register as a Charitable Organization
The next step is to register your charity, so the government and donors know it’s official. Registering as a 501(c)(3) may sound confusing, so do more research and consult someone with nonprofit experience on this step. After this, you’re almost ready to start helping the way you set out to!
Build a Driven Board
Do you have people who care about your cause as much as you do? Enlist some driven friends and leaders to propel your cause forward. Make sure you have a diverse board with differing backgrounds and voices so you can be creative and shrewd with the organization’s future.
Design a Website
As you begin fundraising, you’ll need one or more platforms to take in money. Online giving is increasingly popular, so a polished and streamlined website is an essential part of starting a successful charity. Ensure that you communicate your vision well on your site and introduce highly visible and obstacle-free giving opportunities.
