Startup Info
TO DO’S FOR (CA) CHARITABLE STARTUPS
Resources added and changed over time.
What are some operational items that may help my organization get started?
- Phone number and voice mail
- Website and e-mail
- Bank account and credit card (ask for nonprofit rates)
- PO Box; return address labels
- Organization business cards
- Buy discounted software – www.techsoup.org (501(c)3’s)
- Register to receive contributions through Amazon Smile, grocery stores, workplaces
- Establish Paypal, Dwolla, Square, Stripe, or other online payment system
- Consider California grant opportunities (www.grants.ca.gov), federal grant opportunities (www.grants.gov), and targeted internet searches for grant funding.
- Sign up for CalNonprofits (https://calnonprofits.org/), CNM (https://cnmsocal.org/), or a local nonprofit advocacy organization.
What might be helpful for my organization to consider in the near future?
- Accounting software; Quarterly financial statements for Board review
- Charitable contribution collection procedures and receipt templates
- Directors, volunteers, building, auto, personal property, and accident liability insurance
- Background checks of volunteers, Board members, and staff
- Payroll tax accounting; Department of Labor posters / policies
- Charitable Solicitation Licenses in CA (https://oag.ca.gov/charities/initial-reg) and other states
- State tax exemption: CA FTB (https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/charities-nonprofits/index.html)
- US GAAP statements – Compilation (with or without footnotes), Review, or Audit
- Strategic planning
- Branding; Thirty second marketing pitch
- Board orientation, policies, and development
- Annual reports and appeals
- Website management and IT security
- Capital campaigns
