i want to start a charity…
i am going through something at the moment. Aside from fighting for the funding needed to keep the cleaning service i need to not lose my home, we’re also trying to get approval for funding for online counselling with an autism spectrum specialising counsellor in Melbourne. Because the appointments cannot be face to face, they’d cost around $200 a session. The reason for is is that i have suffered 20 years of abuse and misdiagnosis at the hands of mental health professionals. So when it comes to therapy etc, my trust levels are low. This particular counsellor, though, I have met at a conference and made a connection with. The trust is there.
So, this is what has triggered me to want to start this charity. What i’m wanting to do is provide funding for people on the spectrum to be able to access services that are not within the norm (such as my counselling) or for people who, for various reasons (complicated health confusing the criteria you need to me?) cannot access funding for things they need to live well/independently/safely. Thing is, i have no idea how broadly this is needed, or in fact if there is any need for it beyond myself, but it seems to me that there might be. What do you think? Is there a need? Do you know anyone who might know more about how to start a charity when you’re poor? Or anyone who might know if this should be a thing? Pease let me know!
February 21st, 2013 at 6:20 pm
Hey Desi,
I help out with a “not-for-profit” group here in Rocky. We are the Umbrella Network and our slogan is, families helping families.
My first suggestion would be to scout out the need for what you want to do. Try and keep to a focus while not making that focus too small. That is harder then it sounds. You can’t help everyone so you need to draw a line in the sand but make the area too small and it can be harder to get I touch with those you want to help, those who can help, and those who will donate to let you do the helping. Hope that makes sense.
The next step would be find like minded people to help you. Even if it is just a couple of people. It lets you bounce ideas of someone and when you are having a bad day/week things don’t grind to a halt. Pick people you get along with. Things gets messy if you can’t work out differences later on.
The other steps are jump on the web and look up how to set up a not-for-profit group. There a certain rules you have to follow (such as banking accounts etc) and you need to register it to allow people to claim helping a charity.
Not-for-profit is just the new pc term for charity. Pick a name, a slogan and register and you are good to go with fundraising and networking.
Hope that helps.
Jo