Creating an Organization#

Becoming an Organization means that you can manage your funds in your own bank account.

You can opt to become independent and still use the features on the Open Collective platform. If you are currently fiscally hosted, you will no longer receive the admin support of a Fiscal Host, which means you will need to handle your own finances, accounting, and liability.

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If you are not sure you are able to manage your project's finances or admin effectively, you should seriously consider applying to a Fiscal Host.
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Choose an option#

launching-an-organization.md

Select this option if your Collective does not currently exist on Open Collective

migrating-from-fiscal-host-to-an-organization.md

Find out how to leave a host and become an Organization

Converting between Collectives and Organizations#

If you already have a Collective or Organization on Open Collective, you can change the account type without creating a new profile. Your URL, contribution history, and team members stay the same.

Account admins can find these options under Dashboard > Settings > Advanced. You can also start the Collective-to-Organization flow from Dashboard > Settings > Fiscal Host using the Convert this account to an Organization link.

Both conversions require two-factor authentication. These options are not available for private accounts.

Convert a Collective to an Organization#

Use this when your group has its own legal entity and bank account, and you want to manage money on Open Collective without a Fiscal Host.

Before you convert:

• Your Collective must not be hosted by a Fiscal Host. If you are currently hosted, remove your host first.
• Your balance must be zero. See Zero Collective Balance for ways to empty your account.
• Withdraw any pending applications to Fiscal Hosts.

To convert:

1. Go to Dashboard > Settings > Advanced.
2. In the Convert to Organization section, click Convert to Organization.
3. Enter your Organization's legal name. This should match the legal name on your bank account.
4. Confirm the conversion. You will be prompted for two-factor authentication.

The conversion enables money management on your account. After converting, connect your bank account and payment processor (such as Stripe) to start receiving contributions. See Managing Organization Finances.

If you are leaving a Fiscal Host as part of this change, see Migrating from Fiscal Host to an Organization for the full workflow, including what happens to recurring contributions.

Convert an Organization to a Collective#

Use this if you converted by mistake, or if you no longer want to manage money yourself and plan to join a Fiscal Host instead.

Before you convert:

• Deactivate Money Management and Fiscal Hosting on your Organization, if either is enabled.
• Your balance must be zero. Pay out remaining funds by submitting and marking expenses as paid.

To convert:

1. Go to Dashboard > Settings > Advanced.
2. In the Convert to Collective section, click Convert to Collective.
3. Confirm the conversion. You will be prompted for two-factor authentication.

After converting, your account becomes a Collective. You will need to apply to a Fiscal Host before you can raise or spend money again.