Running a charity effectively isn’t an easy feat. There are many things you need to consider and a lot of different elements you need to be aware of. Unlike running a normal business, you will need to get funding, engage with stakeholders and have a watertight plan in place for growth and strategy.

Charities need to be run sensitively and with compassion and many people will become invested in the work that you do. In this article we take a look at some top tips for running a charity that are sure to help you have as much long term success as possible. Keep on reading to find out more.

Define your mission

The very first thing you need when running a charity is a mission. This needs to clearly outline what your goals are for the charity and why you're doing what you do. This needs to be a statement you can share with the world, and that will resonate with volunteers, beneficiaries and those that you want to donate. Be clear and concise, showcasing your cause, yet also make sure to get your message across about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.

Come up with a marketing plan

As with any business model, you need to know how you’re going to market your charity. Without a solid marketing plan you’ll find it hard to get any donations in and to get support behind you. From having a good website that’s easy to use, to working on advertising, there are plenty of ways you can market your charity. Look into Google Ad Grants for Charities as these can help you to get the word out there while also cutting costs. 

Ensure you adhere to government policies 

When running a charity, there are a number of government policies you need to adhere to. These ensure transparency and accountability and that you are running your charity in an ethical manner. Ensure you're clear about why you're raising funds and can show where all the money is going, with everything well documented and done correctly.

Build a strong team

A charity is built on the team that runs it so ensure you have a team you can trust. From the volunteers that will work so hard, to the trustees that will help to run the charity, it’s a close knit family-style team that will ensure your charity is a success. When speaking to people to work for you, ensure they have the same passion and drive to raise money for the cause as you do.

These are just a few top tips for running a charity that can help it grow and succeed, while doing the great work you are to help a specific cause. Whether you’re a small charity or a large one, there is a lot of work that goes into running it and you want to be prepared. What are some of your top tips for running a charity? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.