Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good charity name?
You want to be a force of good in the world, and leave a legacy of giving, generosity, and effective action. In a sea of charities and non-profits, how can you ensure yours will stand out? Give your nonprofit a name that inspires trust while also being memorable and compelling.
Donors are driven to contribute to causes they deem worthy, helpful, and effective. Our charity and nonprofit business names are evocative of a forward-thinking, results-oriented approach to the principles close to your heart, while also catchy and simple to remember.
What is a good name for a nonprofit?
Your nonprofit's name is important because it will be one of the first things people learn about your organization. It should be reflective of your mission and values, and it should be easy to remember. With that in mind, here are a few real-world examples of catchy and memorable charity organization name ideas to give you inspiration for your own charity name:
- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- The Clinton Foundation
- Amnesty International
- World Wildlife Fund
- Oxfam
- Greenpeace
- Feeding America
- Doctors Without Borders
- United Way
- UNICEF
- Red Cross
What are some catchy charity names?
Drawing up a list of potential names for your charity business can be a fun and rewarding experience. A few catchy charity names examples to get you started are:
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Operation Smile
- The Salvation Army
- Habitat for Humanity
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
- Feed the Children
- World Vision
- Precious Gifts
- Future Group
- Charitable Change
- Save the Children
What are some clever and modern charity name ideas?
Modern charity names need to be catchy, but they also need to be relevant to your target audience. A few clever and modern charity name ideas include:
- To Write Love on Her Arms
- The Trevor Project
- DoSomething.org
- charity: water
- The Pencils of Promise
- Kiva
- Teach for America
- She's the First
What are some creative and unique nonprofit names?
Making sure that your nonprofit organization names are both creative and unique is important for any nonprofit organization. A few ideas to get you started are:
- The Water Project
- Heifer International
- Charity Village
- No Kid Hungry
- Nothing But Nets
- Children Global Fund
- Save Darfur
- Partners in Health
- The Nature Conservancy
- Project HOPE
- Direct Relief
How to use our nonprofit organization name generator?
Now that you have seen some of the best name options for your organization, it's time to start brainstorming with our nonprofit charity name generator. Just enter in a few words that describe your organization's mission and values, and our generator will get to work spitballing some great name options for you!
Best of all, each name generated is hand curated by naming experts, available to purchase, and has a matching premium domain name for sale.
How do you come up with memorable nonprofit names or charitable organization names?
Some tips for coming up with a catchy and memorable charity name include keeping it short, using puns or wordplay, and choosing a name that evokes positive emotions. You can also try brainstorming with a group of people to come up with ideas, or looking for inspiration in nature, art, or literature. Ultimately, the best way to come up with a great name for your charity is to be creative and experiment until you find something that feels just right.
Other Charity Naming Tips:
Keep it short and simple
It is important to make sure your business name is not too long, you want to keep it short and simple.
Check domain availability
Check that the domain name for your chosen name is available, so you can set up a website easily.
Use Descriptive Words
Use words or made-up words that convey the essence of your brand.
Make it easy to pronounce and spell
You want people to be able to say and spell your name easily, so avoid using complicated words or made up words.
Avoid using jargon
Don't use industry specific jargon that only insiders will understand. You want your name to be accessible and readable to everyone.
Avoid Acronyms
Avoid using acronyms in your name unless they are widely known (such as AIDS or CPU).
Trademark your name
Ensure that the name you choose is not already trademarked or registered by another organization.
Make sure it sounds good
Make sure your chosen name sounds good when said aloud – it should be easy to spell and pronounce.
Consider your marketing materials
Think about how the name will look on marketing materials such as business cards, website banners, and letterheads.
Brainstorm with a group
Brainstorm with a group of people to get different ideas and perspectives.
Get Feedback
Get feedback from potential donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders to see what they think of your chosen name.
Consider Your Brand Identity
Carefully consider your brand identity and what your organization stands for.
Try different languages
Consider using a word or phrase in a different language – this can make your name more unique.
Don't be afraid to experiment
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different business name types – sometimes the best names come from unexpected places.
What are some other types of charities?
There are many different types of charities, ranging from healthcare to education, environmental, and religious organizations. Here are a few other types of charities:
- Homeless Charities
- Charity Event Organizing
- Charity Service Organizations
- Food Banks and Food Pantries
- Community Centers
- Senior Citizens' Centers
- Youth Organizations
- Arts and Culture Organizations
- Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations
- Environmental Conservation Organizations
- Women's Shelters
Can you have a nonprofit and for-profit business with the same name?
Yes, you can have a nonprofit and for-profit organization with the same name. However, it is important to note that the two businesses will be separate entities with different legal structures, missions, and goals. As such, it is important to make sure that there is no confusion between the two businesses by using different branding or marketing materials.
Additionally, you will need to make sure that your website and social media accounts are clearly labeled as belonging to either the nonprofit or for-profit business.
Can I trademark my nonprofit organization's name?
Of course , you can certainly trademark your nonprofit or charity name. However, it is important to note that the process of trademarking a name is different for nonprofits than it is for for-profit businesses. For more information on how to trademark a nonprofit name, you can visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office's website.