{"id":5571,"date":"2017-05-09T14:35:57","date_gmt":"2017-05-09T19:35:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/5bd4f92546.nxcli.net\/?p=5571"},"modified":"2025-04-18T11:49:05","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T16:49:05","slug":"three-mistakes-first-time-charities-make-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluecotton.com\/blog\/articles\/charity-fundraising\/three-mistakes-first-time-charities-make-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Mistakes First-Time Charities Make (And How To Avoid Them)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

So, you want to found a charitable organization? That\u2019s fantastic! Success in the field of fundraising can be one of the most rewarding, fulfilling experiences you\u2019ll ever see. <\/p>\n

Thing is, it\u2019s not exactly easy to achieve. Running a successful charity isn\u2019t just a matter of collecting some money here and there. There are certain things you need to know – and certain mistakes you need to avoid.<\/p>\n

Here are a few of the most common.<\/p>\n

Failure To Do Your Research<\/h2>\n

Passion only takes you so far – if you really want to further your cause, you need to temper it with knowledge. What do you know about the industry you\u2019re working in? What about your cause – what are you trying to achieve, and how will your funds help you do so?<\/p>\n

What about your donors? Who are they? How can you reach them? How can you motivate them to give?<\/p>\n

Finally, what about market conditions in your region? What other charitable organizations work in the same field as yours? What laws do you need to be aware of pertaining to your organization?<\/p>\n

Plenty of first-time charities tend to fall into the trap of thinking they don\u2019t need to spend any time practicing due diligence. That\u2019s a problem, and one you need to avoid.<\/p>\n

Ignoring Your Finances<\/h2>\n

Does your charity have a fundraising plan? Do you have a system for managing your budget? How will your business activity be recorded? Do you understand the relevant tax statutes that relate to your business?<\/p>\n

You\u2019d best be certain you can answer \u2018yes\u2019 to all of those questions – because otherwise, you\u2019re in for a rude awakening come tax season.<\/p>\n

Failing To Maintain Your Website<\/h2>\n

Fact is, you need a website no matter what industry you\u2019re in. In the case of running a charity, your site gives you another avenue through which you can collect donations. Not only that, maintaining a web presence is an incredible way to attract new supporters, and a critical point of contact for donors and volunteers.<\/p>\n

Of course, just maintaining a website isn\u2019t quite enough – you\u2019ll also need to ensure it\u2019s of decent quality. That means\u2026<\/p>\n