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Serin, Empowering charities, CICs, & small businesses

Help setting up a new organisation

Starting something new is exciting, and there's a lot to get right: the structure, a governing document, a committee or board, a bank account and your first policies. We can help you work through it in the right order, so you're ready for funding as soon as you can be.

What we can help with

  • Whether a charity, CIC or community group suits you.
  • What you'll need and in what order.
  • Your first policies, using Serin's policy builder.
  • Getting ready for your first applications.

We point you to the official bodies for the steps they handle, and we don't give legal advice.

Price

Arrange a call

It depends on what you need. Arrange a call and we'll talk it through.

Choosing a structure

The right structure depends on what you want to do, how you'll be funded and who will be in charge. A charity can reach the widest range of grant funders. A CIC gives more freedom to trade and pay directors, but some funders won't support one. A constituted community group is often the simplest way to start small. We'll talk through how each would work for you, so the choice is yours and made with your eyes open.

If you'd like to read up first, our guide on choosing between a CIC and a charity is a good place to start.

How it works

  1. 1Tell us what you're starting and where you've got to.
  2. 2We arrange a call to understand your plans.
  3. 3We suggest a sensible order of steps and what help, if any, would be useful.
  4. 4If you'd like more support, we agree the scope and price in writing first.

Ready for funding from the start

Funders look for the same basics again and again: a governing document, a board that meets, a bank account in the organisation's name, sensible policies and a clear idea of the difference you want to make. Getting those in place early means you can apply with confidence as soon as the right fund comes along.

Questions

How much does it cost?
It depends on what you need. Arrange a call and we'll talk it through before anything is agreed.
Do you give legal advice?
No. We help you understand the options and the order to do things in, and point you to the official bodies and qualified advisers for the steps they handle.
Can we apply for grants before we're registered?
Sometimes. Some funders support unregistered community groups with a governing document and a bank account. We can help you find out what applies to you.
Do we need to use Serin's software?
No, though its policy builder and funding readiness tools can save you time once you're set up.

Starting something new? Let's talk it through.

Arrange a call