Further Support

The simple guide for setting up a charity

You’re here because you want to make a difference, to take action to address a need in our society.

This tool was created by the Small Charities Coalition, which closed in March 2022. Following this, the FSI and NCVO formed a partnership committed to making sure small charities get the support they need.

Following the closure of the FSI in May 2023, NCVO remains dedicated to our shared vision of a sector in which small charities can thrive. We will continue to ensure this tool is free and available to anyone that needs it.

Find out more Getting started

How does this guide help?

This guide will steer you through the logistics of setting up a charity in simple steps. We will be with you on your journey – from that initial idea, calling or passion, to registration and beyond. We’ll be here to support with any queries you might have around the set up and running of your charity.

Getting started

Charity set up checklist:

Write your charitable purposes

Charitable purposes state what your charity is set up to achieve

See how

Decide your charity structure

Organising the structure of your charity early on will help once you start to scale

See how

Choose the governing document that’s right for you

A governing document is a set of rules for the way you run your charity

See how

Recruit your trustees

Your trustees have the ultimate responsibility for the running of your charity

See how

Money Matters

It’s best to open a charity bank account before your charity becomes operational

See how

Apply for registration

Completing the online application to register

See how

Extra support:

Keeping minutes of meetings

Keeping a minutes book is essentially just keeping a record of all your important discussions and decisions at meetings.

See how

Download this checklist

You can download this checklist as a PDF to keep handy and mark your progress as you set up your charity. Just pop in your email address so we can email the PDF to you: