Category Archives: Giving and Philanthropy

There are few topics as confusing as state charitable solicitation registration. Nearly everyone who is in a charity leadership position is familiar with the concept but few clearly understand the implications of the laws in the various states as it relates to their charity.

One of the reasons this issue is so confusing is that it is a state, not a federal issue. With so much variation between the charitable solicitation laws in the 50 states, it is no wonder this matter leaves charity leaders puzzled.

Charities that seek contributions nationally must typically register in 39 states and the District of Columbia before starting to solicit. Since many states are increasing their enforcement efforts to ensure that charities and fundraisers are complying with initial and annual registration requirements, it’s important that charities and fundraisers abide by these statutes—especially since noncompliance can result in the imposition of significant fines and penalties.

We have some excellent resources on the ECFA website to help you wade through the details of charitable solicitation registration including a state-by-state summary prepared by our friend and attorney, Chip Watkins.

To better understand these issues, join us for a special Charitable Solicitations Issues Webinar on June 22 at 1 pm EST. The two presenters, Karl Emerson and Dick Travis, are among the most knowledgeable individuals on this topic in the U.S. Karl is an attorney with Montgomery, McCracken and is the former director of the Bureau of Charitable Organizations of Pennsylvania. Dick Travis consults with many nonprofits on charitable solicitation issues and is the president of The Travis Group.

Click here to register.

Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are lining up the billionaires to give to charity. The gifts will be significant—and undoubtedly will help humankind.

But which charities will receive these new-found billions of gifts? Christ-centered charities? Most of the gifts will go to education, the arts, and so on. While some of the new giving will find its way to the Christ-centered word, it will remain the responsibility of believers to give generously to causes to fulfill the Great Commission.

In Bob Buford’s last newsletter, he shares good news about giving. His encouragement is “mirrored by Pamela Hawley, a bright young person who is Founder and CEO of Universal Giving, who said, ‘I can see the fear if I want to. And yet, I am resolutely encouraged.

‘Giving is being pushed down. It is no longer about the 50-year old who has it made and wants to give back. Giving is taking place at the age of 10. College students are using their spring vacation to build homes. Media stations are using their news stations to get people involved.

‘Good people, good things, good partnerships are transpiring. Find them, see them, stoke them, cherish them. And goodness will begin to explode across the world in the most wonderful way. It already is.’”