> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://smartchange.crisp.help/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Create organization and start fundraising

In SmartChange, an organization is the home for your whole fundraising operation: your forms, store, contributors, payouts, and settings. You can belong to more than one organization and switch between them from the organization switcher in the top left.

### Create the organization

1. Log in at [smartchange.app](https://smartchange.app).
2. Click the organization switcher at the top left.
3. Click **Create a new organization**.
4. Follow the prompts to name and set up your organization.

![Organization switcher with Create a new organization](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/upload-1/website/-/8/f/e/3/8fe32a7262b6a800/org-switcher_1pyzv5p.jpg)

You can also start one from your organizations list with **New organization**.

A new organization starts private. Nobody can give to it until you connect payouts and publish it.

### Connect payouts

1. Click the **Settings** gear in the top bar.
2. Go to **Settings → General → Payouts**.
3. Connect your Stripe account and complete Stripe's verification.

See [Link Your Bank + Verify Your Account](https://smartchange.crisp.help/en/article/link-your-bank-start-taking-donations-5lwysa/) for what Stripe asks for.

### Check your details

In **Settings → General**, make sure your **Legal business name** matches your paperwork. It is used on your forms and receipts, including your 501(c)(3) registration line. Then fill in **Settings → Compliance** and check its **Readiness** panel. See [Set up your compliance settings](https://smartchange.crisp.help/en/article/set-up-your-compliance-settings-blnkbx/).

### Go live

1. Go to **Settings → General → Visibility**.
2. Publish your organization.

Once it's live, the Visibility section shows **Live**. To stop new contributions later, click **Pause new gifts** there. Recurring contributions keep charging while new ones are paused.

Anything you set in Settings → General is inherited by every fundraiser, event, membership, and store in the organization.

Questions? Email us at [support@smartchange.app](mailto:support@smartchange.app).