> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.opencollective.com/oceurope/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.opencollective.com/oceurope/master.md).

# A guide for your collective

Find your next step, understand how things work, and ask for help.

Welcome. This guide is for people running or supporting a collective with Open Collective Europe (OCE). You do not need to know financial or legal terminology to start.

## What would you like to do?

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Join OCE</strong></td><td>Understand the conditions and send your application.</td><td><a href="/oceurope/getting-started/how-to-apply.md">Apply to join OCE</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Get started</strong></td><td>Set up your page after acceptance.</td><td><a href="/oceurope/getting-started/basics.md">Your first steps after acceptance</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Receive funds</strong></td><td>Help supporters contribute to the right collective.</td><td><a href="/oceurope/how-it-works/financial-contributions-how-to-donate.md">Receive a contribution</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Get paid</strong></td><td>Prepare and follow an expense request.</td><td><a href="/oceurope/guides/expenses.md">Request a payment</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Plan together</strong></td><td>Agree how to use your collective’s budget.</td><td><a href="/oceurope/guides/deciding-on-how-to-use-your-money.md">Decide together how to use your budget</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Ask for help</strong></td><td>Find a person when something is unclear.</td><td><a href="/oceurope/about-1/contact-us.md">Ask for help</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## OCE in a few words

OCE is a Belgian public utility foundation. It administers funds for collectives and philanthropic programmes. Your collective leads its activities; OCE handles the agreed financial administration. The Open Collective platform is the website where you see contributions, expenses and your budget.

This arrangement is called **fiscal hosting**. Read [how it works](/oceurope/what-is-open-collective-europe.md) or look up a word in the [glossary](/oceurope/about-1/terminology.md).

## Take things one step at a time

Start with the page that answers your question. Each practical guide explains what to prepare, what happens next and where to get help. The [hosting agreement](/oceurope/about-1/terms-of-hosting.md) sets out the formal responsibilities.

If sharing information could put you or someone else at risk, [contact us privately](/oceurope/about-1/contact-us.md) before posting it. You can also read [how to raise a safety concern](/oceurope/about-1/safeguarding-policy.md).