Charitable Solicitation Disclosure Requirements |

REQUIRED DISCLOSURES FOR SOLICITATION MATERIALS

Charitable Solicitation Disclosure Requirements

Charitable solicitation disclosure requirements are state rules that require nonprofits to include specific disclosure language in fundraising materials. These requirements most often apply to written solicitations (direct mail, email, newsletters, donation pages, and other materials sent to potential donors).

Disclosure statements are a separate requirement from charitable solicitation registration. For more information about Charitable Solicitation Registration, see our Service Page.

What are Charitable Disclosures?

In many states, solicitation laws require that written solicitation materials include certain information about the soliciting charitable organization. The required information typically includes the organization’s:

Name
Address
Phone number
Tax-exempt status
Where to obtain financial and program information
Whether the contribution is tax deductible

Some states require additional disclosures beyond the items above.

When are Charitable Disclosures Required?

Charitable disclosures are typically required on written solicitation materials, including:

Donation pages and online giving forms
Email solicitations and newsletters
Direct mail pieces
Other written materials requesting contributions

If your website provides a mailing address to send a contribution, a telephone number to call to make a contribution, or a donate button to process online contributions, disclosure information generally needs to be displayed conspicuously on the webpage.

What States Require Charitable Disclosures?

Approximately half of the states have laws that mandate disclosures for solicitation purposes.

States that require disclosure include:

Arkansas
California
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Maine

Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina

Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Texas
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have these disclosures on my website?

Yes. If your website provides a mailing address to send in a contribution, a telephone number to call to make contributions, or has a donate button to process online contributions, the required disclosure information must be displayed conspicuously on the webpage.

What if we are exempt from registration in a state that requires disclosure?

No charitable disclosure is needed if the organization is exempt from registration. Disclosure requirements are for registered charities.

If we are sending a mailer into just one state, can we include the disclosure language for just that state?

Yes. You can tailor your disclosure statements on targeted mailers to just the state(s) being solicited.

Are disclosures required when sending a contribution receipt or thank you letter?

Only if the material includes additional solicitation efforts or follow-up seeking additional donations.

What happens if we don’t include the required disclosures on our solicitation materials?

States can pursue a number of correction measures, including assessing fines and penalties or taking administrative action against the organization.

If we include all of the required disclosures on our website, can we omit them from written solicitation materials or simply include a statement to refer to our website?

No. Disclosure notices are required to be included on all written solicitations, whether that be a direct mail piece, an email, a newsletter, or on your website’s donate page.

Charitable Disclosures Template

Below is a general template for state-required charitable disclosures for organizations soliciting directly. This is a starting point only and should be tailored to the states you are soliciting in.

Financial information and a description of the programs and activities for <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME>, is available at <INSERT WEBSITE>, by written request to <INSERT MAILING ADDRESS> or by calling <INSERT PHONE NUMBER>. <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME> is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible where allowed by law. If you are a resident of one of the following states, you may obtain financial information directly from the state agency as follows:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE AT 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR VISITING FDACS.GOV. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION # <INSERT REGISTRATION NO>.
Georgia: Solicitation by <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME>, located at <INSERT PHYSICAL ADDRESS>. A full and fair description of our programs and activities, along with a financial statement or summary, will be sent upon request by contacting us at <INSERT PHONE NUMBER>.
Maryland: A copy of the current financial statement of <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME> is available upon request by writing to <INSERT MAILING ADDRESS> or by calling <INSERT PHONE NUMBER>. For the cost of copies and postage, documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are available from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, or by calling (410) 974-5534.
Michigan: <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME> is registered to solicit contributions in Michigan. MICS No. <INSERT REGISTRATION NO>.
Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME> may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State.
Nevada: <INSERT NAME OF ORGANIZATION is located at <INSERT PHYSICAL ADDRESS>. Our purpose is <INSERT BRIEF PURPOSE>. Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Note: If contributions are not tax deductible, indicate that “Contributions are not tax deductible.”
New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charities/Pages/charities-registration-information.aspx. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.
New York: A description of our programs and activities is available upon request. A copy of our most recent annual financial report may be obtained from <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME> at <INSERT PHYSICAL ADDRESS> or from the Charities Registry at www.charitiesnys.com. For more information on charitable organizations, contact the New York State Attorney General at (212) 416-8686.
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989 (within North Carolina) or (919) 814-5400 (outside of North Carolina). The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME> may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732 -0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available upon request from <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME> or from the State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.
Washington: <INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME> is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities.
West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Wisconsin: A financial statement of the charitable organization disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year will be provided to any person upon request.

REGISTRATION WITH A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice and is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith; however, no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information provided.