As Hurricane Helene leaves devastation in its wake across North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee and Hurricane Milton is on the horizon for us here in Florida, we recognize the immense challenges you're facing. Your efforts—providing shelter, care, and hope to those who have lost so much—are nothing short of heroic.

During these difficult times, many non-profits are seeing donations pour in nationwide as generous supporters respond to the needs of disaster-stricken communities. Amid the rush to bring much-needed relief, however, navigating the complexities of state fundraising regulations is important to ensure your vital work isn’t interrupted.

This Week’s Focus: Helping You Navigate Fundraising Compliance Across State Lines.

Cross-Border Solicitations: What You Need to Know

Nearly all forms of fundraising—whether through emails, social media posts, or letters—can require state registration. The rules can be complex, but understanding a few key points can make a huge difference in avoiding disruptions:

1. Broad Definition of Solicitation: Requests for donations across state lines may require registration. This applies even if the request is passive—like a "donate now" button on your website.
2. The Charleston Principles: These principles guide non-profits on when registration is needed for online solicitations. Registration is often required if you target a specific state's residents or receive ongoing donations from them.
3. State-Specific Requirements: Currently, 40 states require non-profits to register if they seek donations from residents. Many of these states also require annual renewals and specific disclosures on solicitation materials. Understanding these requirements may feel overwhelming, but it is essential to ensure your fundraising remains smooth and uninterrupted.

Why Compliance Matters Now More Than Ever

We know compliance may seem like the last thing you should focus on during a crisis. But keeping up with these regulations ensures you continue receiving support without legal hurdles. It maintains donor trust and ensures every dollar goes where it’s needed most—into the hands of those in urgent need. 

Supporting You Through Knowledge

We may not handle registrations directly, but we are here to share insights and guide you through understanding these cross-border solicitation requirements.

Knowledge is power, and in times like this, it can make the difference between being able to help or facing roadblocks.

Thank you to all the non-profits tirelessly working in disaster zones. Thank you for your courage and compassion and for being the beacon of hope that so many people need right now. We’re committed to sharing the resources and information that can help make your journey a little easier.

Need More Personalized Advice?

If you need help implementing these practices or have specific questions about your non-profit’s finances, we’re here to assist.