What cause are you most passionate about? How are you going to go about bringing attention to it? The fact of the matter is, everyone on this planet can find a charitable cause to be passionate about. However, for those who want to go a step further and establish a non-profit charity, it takes much more time, energy, and strategy. If you’re galvanized by goodwill and want to start a non-profit philanthropic venture, here are four things you should do.

Establish the Basics

Before you take any steps forward into the world of charity, you should figure out which causes are closest to your heart. When establishing alliantgroup’s Blue Heart Fund, the driving factor was seeing the damage done to schools by Hurricane Harvey and a long-term dedication to STEM education and careers. By contributing to STEM scholarships for young academics and professionals, alliantgroup supports not only aspirational individuals but also the wider Houston community.

Gather a Team

From a board of directors to volunteers on the ground floor, your foundation needs membership and support. Use your passion and strong community connections to build your team step by step, person by person. Thanks to the Internet and other connective technologies, it’s easier than ever to communicate with others who share your commitment to a cause. You’ll want to be sure that your team includes professionals from fields such as law, accounting, marketing, or public relations, as you’ll likely pursue 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code.

Set Your Goals

A well-structured goal should be specific and measurable, answering the all-important questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how. In addition, these goals should align with your overall vision. To hone this vision, and therefore establish those goals, put forth a mission statement. This statement should be a one-sentence summary of what your goal is, why it’s your goal, and how you’re going to achieve it. This statement should affirm your beliefs and dreams while remaining tethered in the current reality of the cause.

Spread the Word

Once you’ve gathered your team and set your goals, it’s time to share your efforts with the world. By using social media, you can reach a wide audience at little to no cost, the perfect option for a non-profit effort. Connect with people from the local community or around the world who want to offer aid for your cause. Participate in relevant events around the community, or kickstart your own. Get your message out there, and a brighter tomorrow is sure to follow.