Hello,

I run music courses for children for free and have started doing this as a sole trader being funded by a local charity to run the first course. I have now had interest from a particular funder but they have required me to have a community bank account and are pointing me in the direction of setting up as a C.I.C.

I normally run these on my own with help from my partner who from what I understand can not be registered as a director???

 A friend I have also discussed becoming a director is interested and has said they would come on board but would like to limit their input to acting as a signatory with minimal input in the running and delivery which I would like to honour and I don't mind being the main coordinator, so I can focus on building the first project. As well as this, I am limited in the work I can do due to a disability, so run these courses as a way of contributing in the community but also providing a flexible line of work if I need to take breaks for health. 

With my lack of knowledge in forming a c.i.c / not for profit organisation, and organisations that could educate me on this requiring at least three unrelated directors or fees we currently cannot afford,  I am apprehensive of jumping into this for the sake of getting funding quicker without knowing the ramifications and obligations; and I would also like to ensure the organisation's mission is not lost, so would not like to rush into forming a c.i.c by risking bringing people on board who are not aligned or understanding of what we are aiming to achieve or lose what I've worked hard to build due to uneducated blunders in setting up. 

Though, I am feeling the pressure to have something set up to not lose this funding opportunity. Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated. 

Many Thanks.