[header] How to set up a bank account for donations [title] Form a corporation. [step] Before opening a bank account for your charity, you must name it and register with your state as a corporation. A bank will not allow you to open an account that receives donations for a charity unless you have properly registered with the state. 
You must register in the state in which you plan to do business. Also, you must register in any state from which you plan to accept donations.