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" Ready to make a difference, but not sure where to begin? Whether your passion is to help the homeless or to promote environmental awareness, starting a new charity can be as difficult as it is rewarding. Of the thousands of nonprofits that launch each year, only a small percentage have a shot at success. But beating the odds is possible, especially if you follow these simple steps to launch your cause from concept to reality.   1. Choose a cause. Is there a news story you can&amp;#039;t forget? Is there something going on in your town that angers you? Use that as your guide.   2. Seek out people who know more. Think city council, librarian, church volunteer. Do some research and make calls. Find out what and where the real needs are.   3. Set up a not-for-profit. Go to the Society for Nonprofit Organizations and read their helpful 12-step plan.   4. Do your tax homework. Know the exemption requirements for soliciting donations. Just go to charity.com/irscharityexemptions.shtml and download the publication &amp;quot;Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization.&amp;quot;   5. Think social networking. Got a website? On Facebook? Get the word out. See HaveFunDoGood.BlogSpot.com for how to start a nonprofit blog.   6. Find your fundraiser. If you want to sell a product, get a supplier to donate goods or at least discount significantly. Or search eHow.com for &amp;quot;How to start a successful fundraiser&amp;quot; (the site also has great info on setting up a website). Looking to hold a charity auction? Go to BiddingforGood.com.   7. Become a household name in your community. Call the program director of local community centers, churches, synagogues or libraries and propose a program for you to speak to their audiences.   8. Hitch your cause to a bigger star: Bruno Serato&amp;#039;s dinners were made possible by his connection to the Boys &amp;amp;amp; Girls Clubs of Anaheim. Find a larger organization that will make it easier to reach your goals.   9. Tap into your unique talents. If you&amp;#039;re lousy at asking for money directly but great at organizing a fundraising walk, raise money that way. If you&amp;#039;re a great public speaker but not so good at Web design, find the people who have skills you lack. The key is to do what you&amp;#039;re good at. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/work-money/how-to/a5115/how-to-start-your-own-charity-107892/>