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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?

  1. Phone number and voice mail
  2. Website and e-mail
  3. Bank account and credit card (ask for nonprofit rates)
  4. PO Box; return address labels
  5. Organization business cards
  6. Buy discounted software – www.techsoup.org (501(c)3’s)
  7. Register to receive contributions through Amazon Smile, grocery stores, workplaces
  8. Establish Paypal, Dwolla, Square, Stripe, or other online payment system
  9. Consider California grant opportunities (www.grants.ca.gov), federal grant opportunities (www.grants.gov), and targeted internet searches for grant funding.
  10. Sign up for CalNonprofits (https://calnonprofits.org/), CNM (https://cnmsocal.org/), or a local nonprofit advocacy organization.
A large group is dressed up in bright colors, costumes, and face paint for an outdoor Asian-themed cultural parade. Dancing and laughing.
A large group is dressed up in bright colors, costumes, and face paint for an outdoor Asian-themed cultural parade. Dancing and laughing.
One child wears boots and a blue shirt as he runs through mud and puddles at a refugee camp as five other children watch.
One child wears boots and a blue shirt as he runs through mud and puddles at a refugee camp as five other children watch.

What might be helpful for my organization to consider in the near future?

  1. Accounting software; Quarterly financial statements for Board review
  2. Charitable contribution collection procedures and receipt templates
  3. Directors, volunteers, building, auto, personal property, and accident liability insurance
  4. Background checks of volunteers, Board members, and staff
  5. Payroll tax accounting; Department of Labor posters / policies
  6. Charitable Solicitation Licenses in CA (https://oag.ca.gov/charities/initial-reg) and other states
  7. State tax exemption: CA FTB (https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/charities-nonprofits/index.html)
  8. US GAAP statements – Compilation (with or without footnotes), Review, or Audit
  9. Strategic planning
  10. Branding; Thirty second marketing pitch
  11. Board orientation, policies, and development
  12. Annual reports and appeals
  13. Website management and IT security
  14. Capital campaigns
Three young adults in grey VOLUNTEER t-shirts sit in front of brown boxes inside the rear open doors of a white van.
Three light brown women in Native American dress stand outside, lean over a box, and shuck yellow and black corn.
Three light brown women in Native American dress stand outside, lean over a box, and shuck yellow and black corn.

Have a To Do or Resource that you think should be added to this list?

Please contact Amelia at [email protected]

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