If you feel called by God to create a Christian foundation in your community, you're probably wondering … where do I begin?

You begin by understanding the big picture – the seven key steps to launch a local Christian foundation.  You may also contact NCF's Affiliate Services staff.

The seven key steps are:

1. Find a champion to lead the foundation.  This could be you or another individual who is willing to invest time, energy, and talent to build the foundation.  Once the foundation is started, this person may or may not retain a leadership position. 
    
2. Form a steering committee.  This group, which typically numbers 5 to 8 people, investigates all available options and determines a direction for the new foundation.
     
3. Recruit committees and begin planning.  A separate committee should be formed for each strategy identified by the steering committee.  Examples: communications, fund administration, and donor relationships.
    
4. Complete a master plan.  Committee plans must be formulated into a master plan.  The master plan involves identifying and prioritizing the foundation's goals – and determining the amount of time and money needed to meet those goals. 
    
5. Recruit a board of directors.  Find a group of people who will be able to guide the foundation once it's up and running.  This group may include the original visionary and members of the steering committee.
    
6. Hire a president and staff.  Qualities to look for in a foundation president include business acumen, leadership, and interpersonal skills.  A background in financial and estate planning or law is very helpful.  The number of staff and the skills the president requires will be based on the foundation's structure. 
     
7. Implement the plan. Once the master plan is defined and the right people are in place, it's time to get to work!