Charity Fundraising Registration FAQs

Below is a list of answers to commonly asked questions regarding charity fundraising registration requirements.

How does a state become aware that an unregistered charity has been soliciting in the state?

States can be alerted to solicitation by unregistered charities in a number of different ways. The most common way that states are alerted to solicitation is when a citizen of the state makes a complaint about the organization or asks the state regulatory body for information about the charity. In some states, state regulators have employees names included in direct mail lists to track solicitation activities. There a host of other ways that regulators may uncover solicitation in the state including calling the organization and inquiring.

Is a registered agent required for charitable solicitation?

Four jurisdictions require a registered agent in order for a charity to file their charitable solicitation registration. These jurisdictions are Michigan, North Dakota, and Washington, DC. These states will accept either a professional registered agent company or an individual in the state to act as the registered agent. A registered agent is a legal representative who is authorized to receive service of process or other official communication from the state. Labyrinth, Inc. can provide registered agents if they are needed.

What is The Unified Registration Statement?

The Unified Registration Statement (URS Form) is a state registration form that was developed by the National Association of State Charities Officials and the National Association of Attorneys General in 1997 in order to have a single form that could be used by charities to register to solicit in most or all states. Most states no longer accept the Unified Registration Statement or they require additional supplements.

When Was The Unified Registration Statement Released?

The Unified Registration Statement (URS) was initially released in 1997. After its initial release, the National Association of State Charities Officials (NASCO) and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) continued to refine the URS Form and issued version 2.0 of the form in November 1998. The latest version is version 4.02 which was released in March 2014.

What is the Latest Version of the Unified Registration Statement (URS Form)?

The current version of the Unified Registration Statement (URS) is version 4.02 which was released in March 2014 by th National Association of State Charities Officials (NASCO) and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG). Most states now no longer accept the URS Form or else require lengthy state-specific addendums to the form.

What are the Charleston Principles?

The Charleston Principles are a framework that was issued in 2001 governing whether certain online fundraising activities require registration with state charity regulators. The Charleston Principles were drafted by National Association of State Charities Officials (NASCO) and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), but are not binding and not all states have signed on.

When Were Charleston Principles Released?

The Charleston Principles were released in March 2001. National Association of State Charities Officials (NASCO) and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Had begun drafting the Charleston Principles in October 1999.

What Is Charity State Registration?

Charity State Registration, also known as fundraising registration is the act of a nonprofit filing forms with a state regulator in order to be allowed to legally solicit contributions from individuals, corporations, or foundations located in that state. Often charities will need to file charity state registrations in several states.

What is a Charity State Registration Number?

A Charity State Registration Number is a unique number assigned by a state regulator showing that a charity or nonprofit is registered in that that to solicit contributions from resident of the state.

Where do I Find A Charity State Registration Number?

A Charity State Registration Number can generally be found on the registration letter that was sent by the state regulator to the charity letting them know they are registered. Charity State Registration Numbers can also be found by using a searchable database of registered nonprofits that most state regulators have on their website.

If you would like to contact Labyrinth, Inc. about our charity state registration services, please call 844-863-0915 or click here.