You’ll use your mission statement will to inform potential donors, state and federal officials, board members, and volunteers of the purpose for your charity. The nonprofit Feeding America has a great example of a short but thorough mission statement: “Our mission is to advance change in America by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all in partnership with food banks, policymakers, supporters, and the communities we serve. “[2] X Research source

What you’re trying to accomplish A conservative estimate of what you expect to earn from fundraisers Plan B if your source of income changes How much you’ll pay any staff members The role your board members will play in the organization Strategies for attracting new donors How you’ll measure your progress toward meeting your goals[4] X Research source

In addition to registering with the IRS, you’ll need to file paperwork to incorporate your charity with your state. [6] X Research source Once you’ve been incorporated as a 501(c)(3), you’ll need to apply for your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). To do this, fill out IRS form SS-4—your accountant will give you more information on how to do this. [7] X Research source Your lawyer and accountant will also be able to advise you on the ongoing paperwork you’ll need to file to stay in compliance once your organization is running.

It can cost close to $1000 to file for your 501(c)(3), but you’ll also need to pay your accountant and attorney—those fees might be anywhere from $2000-$4000 initially. [9] X Research source You’ll also need to find and supply your office space, and you may need additional permits and licenses from your city or state. [10] X Research source Once your startup costs are out of the way, only about 20% of your charity’s expenses should go toward administration and fundraising. The rest should be dedicated to your main cause.

For instance, if you’re forming an animal rescue, you might name it something like, “Carrington Wildlife Rescue. " Check with the Department of Commerce where you live to make sure you’re not using a name that’s already taken. [12] X Research source Keep in mind that you may not be legally allowed to include certain words in your name, like “Bank,” “Federal,” or “Insurance. “[13] X Research source

For instance, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was named for the founder’s sister, who died of breast cancer at the age of 36. [15] X Research source

Popular charity fundraisers include marathons, galas, silent auctions, dinner parties, golf tournaments, art sales, and charity concerts. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cancer Research UK U. K. -based cancer research and advocacy charity Go to source To raise money online, use your website and social media pages, make YouTube videos about your mission, issue press releases, or start a GoFundMe campaign. [18] X Research source Be sure to talk to your accountant or attorney before you start fundraising—there might be laws in your area that impact what you can do.

If writing isn’t your strong suit, consider hiring a writer who can help you with your grant applications—the better you can show how well you fit the requirements, the more likely you’ll be to get approved! Try looking for grants through websites like https://www. grants. gov

As the CEO of your nonprofit, you’ll typically sit on the board—but to avoid a conflict of interest, it may be best if you have a non-voting role. The Board of Directors will oversee your position, including your salary and your job duties. [23] X Research source You might also choose to have an Advisory Board made up of knowledgeable volunteers. The Advisory Board doesn’t make formal decisions for the nonprofit, but it can make recommendations to the Board of Directors about things like fundraising, hiring decisions, and outreach. [24] X Research source

To be in compliance with the IRS, your salary will need to be reviewed by your Board of Directors or a committee that they establish—you can’t just determine it yourself.

When you’re building your webpage, be sure to include a place where people can donate directly from your site.

If you’re upset by the sight of your town’s crumbling downtown area, you might start a charity to raise funds locally to restore some of those buildings. If you know of a loved one who’s suffering from a rare disorder, you might feel led to start a charity to raise money to help people with that disorder pay for their medical bills. You might also create a charity that supports the arts, wildlife conservation, animal rescue, disaster relief, or people in need. [30] X Research source

If you’re passionate about helping something that overlaps with other charities, come up with unique fundraising ideas that will help you stand out. For instance, the ice bucket challenge was a viral campaign by the ALS Association that raised money for research into ALS. [32] X Research source