Setting up an organisation

First steps

Does it take a particular kind of person or group of people to set up a charity, social enterprise or other nonprofit organisation? Are all ideas good ideas? What are the basics that you might need in place to ensure a good start? Find out more about getting started.

People who are doing it

child's i foundation is documenting their set-up and growth as a registered charity. You can follow their progress, watch the development of their to-do-list and get involved online. 

MyBnk case study - Lily Lapenna, founder of MyBnk, shares her experiences of setting up a social enterprise.

Travel2Give case study - Travel2Give share their transition from a limited company to a Community Interest Company.

Different types of organisation

There are many different types of nonprofit organisation. Law Works's useful factsheets are a good place to start to find out about corporate structures for nonprofits. They include information about what registered charities, CICs etc can and cannot do.

Setting up a social enterprise

Join others in the UnLtdWorld community.

BluePrints for Enterprise is for you if you are new to social enterprise. The tool guides you through some of the demands of commercial life. It helps you think about your asset base, how you fit into the market and how you use resources. The guide is free and produced by Training for Life.

Setting up a charity

Becoming a charity is not right for every organisation. Being a charity brings with it lots of legal requirements and procedures. Take a look at things to think about before setting up a charity (Charity Commission).

If you decide to become a charity, depending where you are based, you may need / want to register:

• England and Wales - registering as a charity (Charity Commission)
• Scotland -  applying for Charitable Status (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator)
• a Charity Commission is currently being set up in Northern Ireland, the charity register will start in 2010.

Useful links

• Get help from your local CVS - use the NAVCA directory to find one in your area
• Alternatives to setting up a charity (Direct.gov.uk)

Have your say

Why not start or join a conversation in the setting up an organisation forum. Or contribute to this section by writing a case study about your experience.