How do you start a charity?

Question

My sister and I want to make a charity or foundation. We would really like to know what it takes and what we need to do to make it successful. Please help. We already have an idea of what we want to have the charity/foundation for we just need some guidelines on how to run it. Please help.

Thanks so much! Megan

Answer 1

Hi,

Myself and a friend started a charity 4 years ago...  The first and most important thing I guess is to find something you're serious about.  You have to be serious otherwise you'll just fall by the wayside as it is hard work (unless you're got lots of rich friends to help you out).  I guess just as importantly, will others want to support your idea?  Obviously projects to do with child/animal welfare are always like to find support (by the way we support street/slum children in Goa India).

I'm from the UK so I know our process, it's quite easy, the Charity Commission is VERY helpful and makes things so simple, I guess there's a similar body in the US (if you're from there).

Unfortunately as we work in India we have to do everything there too..  This is somewhat harder and to be honest, it feels too hard sometimes...  But this is where the belief in yourself and what you can achieve comes in.  If you work hard you can make a difference...

You are likely to need at least 3 people to act as trustees (the ones who have the control and make sure you're not abusing the system), it's always good to find someone who knws about the field you want to help in, so for us a doctor, social worker and accountant would be a good bet as they always have the skill set to help you get it off the ground, but again, it helps if they beleive in what you do...

A few other good things are

1. A good name, something that is unique but likely to be found in a google search (common enough to get interest)

2. A good clear website, ours is http://www.ChildrenWalkingTall.com supporters like good content that's easy to read and regularly updated.  Keep it simple but informative

3. Friends to support you at the begining...

4. A computer to use when you get stuck..  Google, Yahoo etc are great tools..

Hope this helps

Thanks

Rob

Answer 2

Sure. Go to Freewebs.com, their websites are super easy to make, and have loads of templates for you to use, it's very easy too. You can see mine here: http://www.freewebs.com/sunshineclubforc...

We've had this website for 5 years now, and have been able to donate over 1,000.00 each year. It's a great feeling. Good Luck to you!