Tips on engaging a professional fund raiser
The Attorney General of the State of New York has issued a publication which contains guidelines and tips to help charitable organizations make prudent decisions when engaging the services of a professional fund raiser. This document can be viewed at the Attorney General's Website
If we do not register, how great is the punishment?
Fines can range into the tens of thousands of dollars, and a charity can be forced to return all funds which were received, and be barred from future soliciting.
How many states have laws governing solicitation?
Approximately 45
Who must register?
Every charity that receives contributions greater than $25,000 must register in states where they solicit funds.
If we use a fundraiser that is not registered, can we be held responsible?
Yes. A charity which uses an unregistered solicitor can be fined by each state in which they solicit funds.
Does soliciting contributions online require registration?
Yes. In a recent decision the National Association of Attorneys General ruled that soliciting on the internet requires state registration.
All our funds come from membership dues, do we need to register?
Yes. Membership dues count as soliciting contributions.
Special Note on Charitable State Registrations:
There are approximately 45 states which have laws governing charitable solicitations. Most state laws require registration prior to the solicitation of contributions. Numerous counties and cities also have such laws. Failure to register in a timely fashion can lead to fines, civil suits, and states revoking any right to solicit contributions in the future.
If your organization solicits contributions in any state, you probably have to register there. Each year several states change their laws and forms.
Is Your Fundraiser Registered?
Are the fundraisers or solicitors you utilized, properly registered? Perhaps you think that it does not affect you, but if one your fundraisers or solicitors is not registered in a state in which they raise or solicit funds on your behalf, then you are not in compliance with the law. You can check if your fundraiser or solicitor is registered in West Virginia at
Chances are if your fundraiser or solicitor is not registered in West Virginia, they are probably not registered in other states.
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