If you have a passion for something and have already gone as far as possible to promote it, it’s time to start a charity. It can be a daunting task, but there are some steps that you can take to ensure that your organization gets off the ground.
Pinpoint your mission
Before you create your charity, you must identify the reason behind it. For instance, if you’re planning on fighting cancer, you must clearly understand the type of cancer and its treatment, the age group of patients, and the focus of your efforts. You should also narrow down your scope of operations to ensure that you can effectively reach your goals.
Pick a name for your charity
One of the most important factors you should consider when choosing a name for your charity is ensuring that it’s easy to remember. This will allow your potential donors to easily find you. You should also check with the state’s Department of Commerce to ensure that the name you’re thinking of doesn’t already have a registered trademark.
Register with the IRS
You must first file paperwork with the IRS to become a tax-exempt organization. This can be done through the IRS website under section 503(c)(3). In most cases, you’ll also need to register with the Secretary of State in the state where you live. Each state has its rules regarding what’s required, and it can be helpful to hire a lawyer to help you navigate the process.
Make a website
Your website is one of the most important pieces of information that you can provide to the world about your organization. It should also include a variety of features to help promote your work, such as a dedicated page that allows visitors to donate directly. If you’re not able to hire a professional to build a website, you can try a do-it-yourself web builder. This will allow you to create a customized one for yourself.
Start raising money
Your first fundraising event will help you get your name out there and allow you to raise money to start your charitable work. You can try holding a single event with a lot of visibility or leveraging affiliate links to boost your social media presence. However, before you start doing any charitable work, you must begin raising money. Depending on your goals, it may take several months before you can start working on your projects.
If you’re new to the world of charitable work, you might be able to benefit from the advice of experts. Before you start working on your projects, you must establish a mission and a core group of workers. Having someone with experience in the field of charitable work can help you get the necessary support to start your organization. If you’re planning on raising money to support a specific cause, such as a hospital or school, then it’s important that you start with a unique charity.