The Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act, 10 P. S. § 162.1 et seq., (Act) requires fundraising counsels to register with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations (Bureau) prior to providing services related to solicitations in Pennsylvania. If they do not register, they can be fined up to $1,000 per violation and assessed additional penalties of up to $100 per day.
Under Section 8(d) of the Act, 10 P. S. § 162.8(d), fundraising counsels must also submit copies of their contracts with charitable organizations to the Bureau at least ten working days prior to providing services related to solicitation activity in Pennsylvania. If they fail to do so, or provide services before their contracts are approved by the Bureau, fines of up to $1,000 per violation and additional penalties of up to $100 per day can be imposed. When a submitted contract is approved by the Bureau, a certificate of approval for that contract is issued to the fundraising counsel.
Section 8(d) of the Act, 10 P. S. §162.8(d), sets forth the various provisions which must be included in fundraising counsel contracts. Contracts with charitable organizations must contain all the required provisions. The Bureau cannot approve contracts that do not contain all the statutorily required provisions and counsels cannot legally provide services related to solicitation activity in Pennsylvania until their contracts are approved.
Fundraising counsel registrations must be renewed annually. The organization's renewal date is indicated on the certificate of registration sent upon approval of a registration.
Registration packets can be obtained by calling the Bureau toll-free at 1-800-732-0999 or download a registration packet, a Registration Statement for a Professional Fundraising Counsel (Registration Statement, BCO-150), or Fundraising Counsel Written Contract Instructions.
If you have any questions about any of these matters, please do not hesitate to contact the Bureau by e-mail, by calling 1-800-732-0999, or by writing the Bureau.