Founding & Running A Service Charity is Very Different From Working For One!

In January 2025 Forward Assist will celebrate its 12th year of existence. Yet, the experience of founding and running a registered service charity in the UK differs significantly from working for mainstream military charities. This difference is rooted in several key areas: the challenges, stresses, pressures, and the unique altruistic rewards that come with building something from the ground up, as compared to joining a well-established organisation. Founding a service charity from scratch presents a distinct set of challenges compared to working within mainstream military charities. When starting a new organisation, the founder must develop everything, from the mission statement to operational plans and funding strategies. Unlike mainstream charities, which have established systems, donor bases, and public recognition, a new charity often struggles with visibility, credibility, and building trust among both beneficiaries and donors. Gaining the trust of beneficiaries, partners, and donors is a critical hurdle. Mainstream military charities, such as the Royal British Legion or Help for Heroes, have long histories and are widely recognised. New charities have to work hard to demonstrate their value and impact. Access to grants, public donations, and corporate sponsorships can be highly competitive, particularly for smaller, lesser-known charities. Without a pre-existing base of supporters, securing initial funding can be one of the most significant obstacles. Registering as a charity with the Charity Commission and complying with UK charity laws involves complex administrative work. From legal compliance to reporting, financial transparency, and governance, these processes are resource-intensive, especially for small teams. In contrast, those working for mainstream charities benefit from the systems and resources already in place, such as established grant-writing teams, professional networks, and legal support. The stresses involved in running a service charity as a founder are more multifaceted and personal than those experienced by employees of mainstream military charities. The founder of a new charity is typically responsible for every aspect of the organisation, including its success or failure. This level of responsibility can be overwhelming, as it often involves making tough financial decisions, securing funding, and ensuring the charity meets the needs of its beneficiaries. Founders may lack the internal support structures that employees of mainstream charities take for granted. In larger organisations, there are often specialised departments (e.g., HR, finance, legal, and PR) to manage different aspects of the charity’s operations. A founder of a small charity often has to wear many hats, which can lead to burnout. Founders of service charities, especially those focused on veterans or military families, are often emotionally invested in their cause. This can be a double-edged sword: while the personal connection drives passion and commitment, it can also lead to emotional exhaustion when progress is slow, or if the needs of beneficiaries become overwhelming. For employees of mainstream military charities, the stresses are generally more specific to their roles, such as fundraising targets or managing specific programmes. While demanding, they are typically shared among larger teams and supported by the organisation’s infrastructure. Despite the challenges, the altruistic rewards of founding and running a service charity are unique. Founders experience a profound sense of purpose and personal fulfilment that comes from directly seeing the impact of their work. Founders of small service charities often work closely with the individuals they serve. This provides immediate feedback and a tangible sense of the charity’s impact. In contrast, employees in larger organisations might feel removed from the direct beneficiaries of their work due to the scale of operations. Creating an organisation from the ground up and watching it grow to serve a meaningful cause offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. The charity becomes a legacy that reflects the founder's values and efforts, offering long-term satisfaction. Founders have the flexibility to innovate and implement new ideas quickly, adapting to the specific needs of their beneficiaries. This creative control is a key difference from working in established military charities, where decisions often have to pass through bureaucratic layers. In smaller charities, relationships with supporters, volunteers, and beneficiaries tend to be more personal. This close-knit community can provide emotional support and motivation, even during difficult times. However, these altruistic rewards are different for those working within mainstream military charities. While employees may also feel a strong sense of purpose, their work is often more structured, with clearer boundaries between professional and personal lives. The altruistic satisfaction comes from contributing to a well-known cause with a large-scale impact, rather than the intimate, hands-on experience of founders in smaller charities. Mainstream military charities have a long-established presence, brand recognition, and substantial funding sources. Their infrastructure provides stability for employees, who can focus on their specific roles without the weight of starting from scratch. Big charities have dedicated teams for PR, legal issues, fundraising, and volunteer management. They also have the ability to attract larger corporate sponsors, which helps sustain programs and services at a larger scale. Employees in mainstream charities often have clearer career paths and access to professional development opportunities, benefiting from the institutional knowledge of larger organisations. Despite these advantages, employees of mainstream charities may experience less autonomy and feel constrained by bureaucratic processes. Founders of small charities have the freedom to make independent decisions and pursue innovative approaches, but without the same security net. Founding and running a small service charity in the UK presents unique challenges that differ significantly from working in a mainstream military charity. The pressures are higher, with personal investment in every aspect of the charity's operation, but the altruistic rewards can be deeper and more personal. Mainstream military charities provide a more structured, stable environment with larger-scale impact but often lack the intimate, direct connection to beneficiaries and the creative freedom that comes with founding a new organisation. Both roles are vital, but they offer very different experiences of service, responsibility, and reward.

Tony Wright Founder & CEO Forward Assist