Starting a charity can be a life-changing decision. Here’s how to do it the right way.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to create a charity to support a cause you believe in, you’re not alone. Many people have taken the step of setting up a charity to bring their vision to life. But how do you begin? What steps should you follow to ensure everything is done legally and sustainably?
This blog post walks you through the essential steps of how to set up a charity, how to create a charity from scratch, and even how to establish a charity that stands the test of time. Plus, we’ll guide you on setting up a JustGiving page and saving money with Charity Worker Discounts to support your cause.
How to Start a Charity: The Basics
When you’re thinking about how to start a charity, the first question you need to ask is: What will your charity do?
Starting a charity involves more than just an idea. You’ll need to define your mission, vision, and the cause you want to support. Whether you’re focusing on education, healthcare, environmental causes, or supporting vulnerable groups, establishing a charity starts with a clear purpose.
Things to consider:
- What is the problem your charity will address?
- Who will benefit from your charity?
- What are your long-term goals and how will you measure success?
Once you’ve clarified your charity’s purpose, it’s time to move onto the next step—setting up a charity legally. And as you plan and set up your charity, don’t forget to check out Charity Worker Discounts for exclusive savings on everything from office supplies to event materials that can help get your charity off the ground at a lower cost.
Setting Up a Charity: Legal Requirements and Structure
Now that you have a clear vision, you need to know how to set up a charity legally. To do this, you must choose a structure that aligns with your charity’s mission. The most common types of charity structures include:
- Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO): Best for charities that want limited liability and need to register with the Charity Commission.
- Charitable Company (Limited by Guarantee): If you want to set up a charity that’s a company, you can register as a charitable company, which provides limited liability for trustees.
- Unincorporated Charities: These are small, volunteer-led charities that are simpler to set up, though they don’t offer limited liability protection.
Make sure you understand the legal framework for your charity and are clear on the how to create a charity that adheres to charity laws in the UK. And remember, with Charity Worker Discounts, you can access affordable legal resources and services to ensure your charity gets off on the right foot.
Required documentation may include:
- Charity governing document (e.g., constitution or trust deed)
- A board of trustees
- Your charity’s purpose and objectives
- A plan for funding your charity
Registering Your Charity
To set up a charity in the UK, for instance, you will need to register with the Charity Commission if your charity’s income exceeds £5,000 annually. The registration process involves:
- Choosing a name for your charity (ensure it’s not already in use and aligns with charity guidelines).
- Submitting your governing documents and details about your charity.
- Listing the names of your trustees and their roles.
Once registered, your charity will have a Charity Registration Number, which allows you to operate legally, raise funds, and apply for grants.
Fundraising: How to Set Up a JustGiving Page
Now that your charity is set up, it’s time to think about how you will fundraise to support your cause. One of the easiest ways to start fundraising for your charity is by setting up an online donation page, like a JustGiving page.
A JustGiving page is an excellent tool for your charity because it allows people to donate online easily, and you can share it across your social media platforms to increase visibility. Whether you’re hosting an event, starting a campaign, or simply need a donation page for your cause, JustGiving makes it simple to raise money and track donations.
Steps to set up your JustGiving page:
- Visit the JustGiving website and sign up for an account.
- Choose “Create a Fundraiser” and select “Charity.”
- Fill in your charity’s details, such as its name, purpose, and any relevant imagery.
- Set a fundraising target (don’t forget to link it back to your charity’s goals!).
- Share your page with your network and encourage others to donate.
As you work on fundraising, Charity Worker Discounts can help by offering deals on promotional materials and office supplies. Whether it’s creating flyers, banners, or even your website, you can make sure your efforts don’t cost the earth.
Tips for Successfully Creating and Managing Your Charity
Once you’ve started your charity, there are some key tips to help you manage and grow it:
- Build a strong network of supporters: Engage with people who care about your cause—volunteers, donors, and ambassadors. Social media is an excellent tool for reaching a wider audience.
- Keep your finances transparent: Be clear about how funds are spent, which will build trust with your supporters.
- Develop a fundraising strategy: Beyond JustGiving, consider other ways of raising funds like grant applications, corporate partnerships, and charity events.
- Monitor your progress: Track the effectiveness of your charity’s activities and fundraising efforts.
And don’t forget, Charity Worker Discounts provides access to discounts on accounting software, event hosting services, and marketing materials, which will help you keep your charity running smoothly and affordably.
How Do I Set Up a Charity? Is It the Right Choice for You?
Starting a charity is a rewarding but significant responsibility. If you’re wondering, how do I set up a charity and if it’s the right path for you, take time to research thoroughly. Speak to other charity founders, attend training sessions, and understand the challenges and benefits of operating a charity.
If you’re unsure about the logistics, you may want to speak with a charity advisor or legal expert to guide you through the process of setting up a charity successfully.
In addition, Charity Worker Discounts offers resources and tools to help make this process easier for those in the public and charity sectors, so you can focus more on the cause and less on the costs.
Establishing a Charity for Good
Starting a charity is a powerful way to make a positive impact. Whether you are passionate about a local cause or want to address global issues, the process of establishing a charity requires careful planning, legal knowledge, and a commitment to your mission.
By following these steps and utilising platforms like JustGiving, you can start your journey to making the world a better place. From registering your charity to raising funds, setting up a charity can be easier than you think—so why not start today? And remember, Charity Worker Discounts is here to support you throughout this journey by providing savings on everything you need to run your charity effectively.
