The next step in developing a charity is searching for a name for your new organization. Finding the right name for your charity can be a difficult task. You’ll want to create a name that is unique and concise. Here are three things to keep in mind when choosing your organization’s name:
1. Keep it short
2. Make it memorable
3. Check its uniqueness
Keep it short
Shorter titles are engaging because they are more readable for the viewer. Strive for a title with two to six words. In fact, the shorter your title is, the more impact it will have on your potential donors and volunteers. In fact, people not only notice titles
Make it memorable
This step goes hand-in-hand with the previous one. What work will your charity be doing? What motivates you to start this project. Focus on making the name an expressive reflection of your passion. You might consider employing alliteration, the repetition of initial sounds, like the Los Angeles organization, Fulfillment Fund. Finally, many charities conjure an image or metaphor to act as the symbol of the work of their organization, like Hope for Paws, a shelter for stray animals.
Check its uniqueness
You’ll need to make sure that your new name has not already been taken by an existing charity. One quick test you can do is Google your idea. What pops up? You can also check this database to see if another organization has registered the name as a trademark. A trademark will prevent other organizations from adopting the same. Depending on the goal of your charity, you’ll need to consider if purchasing a trademark is the right solution for your own charity.
Finally, here are a few examples of charities in the Los Angeles area. Consider using one of the keyword techniques to create your own.
- The location of your charity (Hollywood Arts Council)
- The focus on your cause (Pacific Heart Lung & Blood Institute)
- Dedicate the name to a personal family member or friend (Dusty’s Riders)
- Express the organization’s joyful spirit or dedication to fun (The Valley Jesters)