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has anyone set up a charity?

I haven't myself, but some of my friends have and I've helped out.

The charity commission has a lot of good advice:
http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/
If your charity has an income below £5000 (most likely!) you won't need to register, but it's still a good idea to try and put some systems in place e.g.

1) Draw up a governing document (a constitution). This doesnt have to be complicated and can be useful if you decide to get a charity bank acount . It is also helpful to have your objectives set out and to have rules in case anything goes wrong.

Templates and advice documents here:
http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/registration/mgds.asp

2) Set up a system to record your finances. This could be an excel spreadsheet or on paper - whatever works for you. Just make sure you have clear records of expenses and donations.

3) Consider setting up a charity bank account. Several banks do this. it can be a hassle to set up, but once you've done it, it's a big help.

4) It helps to get a web-page. Even something on facebook will do. but take a look at this site - dont know much about it myself.
http://www.usablewebsites.org/

5) You can sign up to a service which will allow people to make online donations e.g.

http://www.cafonline.org/Default.aspx?page=2

CAF also have lots of useful advice.

6) It can be a lot of hard work and take over your life. Try to find people who can commit regular time to help you out.

7) Use Gift Aid
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/CHARITIES/giftaid-charities/how.htm

8 ) You need lots of good fundraising ideas. You can also try applying for grants but this is a profession in itself. Identify organisations that have a history of giving to small organisations.

9) You may find it's actually easier to get involved with an existing charity rather than setting up your own. For instance, if you're homing bunnies it may be better to sign up with the RSPCA as a fosterer or something like that. Really no idea how receptive they are.

Hope that helps. Good luck!
 
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cooooo that's all good advice! Nothing to add except get yourself some good trustees :) someone who is good at finance, someone who is good at organising, someone who is creative, someone who knows about marketing, someone who is good at planning and someone else with more money than sense also helps. Also never assunme your income will be under £5k....we spent over a grand in one month alone on neutering, vaccination and vet bills & it all has to be covered through re-homing fees & fundraising.
 
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