professional fundraiser bonds

Quick Summary

Professional fundraiser bonds are required by state laws to ensure compliance, and they protect against claims by guaranteeing financial backing for charitable solicitation campaigns. Fundraising counsels must file bonds and contracts with state authorities before beginning any solicitation activities.

Last Updated: July 19, 2026

Research On Professional Fundraiser Bond

Copilevitz & Canter continuously displays modifications in state legal guidelines to ensure that our clients are all the time current with fundraising compliance. When a compensation is paid, the bond principal must repay the surety for its monetary backing. Because bond claims can be prolonged and complex, bond principals should also strive to avoid causes for claims and comply with state laws at all times.

This form must be filed by any professional fundraising counsel conducting solicitation campaigns on behalf of charitable organizations. This form must be filed at least 10 days prior to the start of any solicitation campaigns. All contracts relating to the solicitation campaign must be attached to the Notice of Solicitation.

Professional Fundraiser Bond, A Guide For You

Copilevitz & Canter continuously monitors adjustments in state legal guidelines to make sure that our clients are always current with fundraising compliance. All contracts entered into between fund-raising counsels and charitable organizations shall be in writing, and a true and correct copy of such contract shall be filed by the fund-raising counsel who is a party thereto with the Secretary of State at least ten (10) days prior to the performance by the fund-raising counsel of any service.

As well as, Saja would also be required to submit a $100,000 bond in order to continue as a professional fundraiser or help others in doing the same. In reference to future fundraising activities by Saja, the FTC might use the bond for consumer redress if it demonstrates to the court that Saja has violated the FTC Act or the proposed order.

Yes. Prior to requesting a contribution verbally or when requesting a contribution in writing, the professional solicitor must clearly disclose to the potential donor the name of the professional solicitor as it appears on file with the attorney general and that the solicitation is being conducted by the person as a professional solicitor. The professional solicitor must also disclose the name and address of the charitable organization as it appears on file with the attorney general. If a potential donor asks how much of their money will be retained by the charity, a professional solicitor must inform them of the percentage of the gross income from a campaign promised to the charity according to the contract between the professional solicitor and the charity. Most importantly, professional solicitors should not at any time mislead, deceive, or misrepresent any information to the potential donor in order to obtain a donation.

Solicitor And Fund Raiser Counsel Checklist

If you are engaged as a professional fund raiser in Michigan you are required under Part 4 of Public Act 298 of 1992 to file a Michigan Uniform Professional Fundraising Bond as a condition of licensure. Note: Registrations and contracts not filed timely must by law pay a late filing fee of $1,000.00 for each contract that is not on file with this office.

Fundraiser bonds are not like financial bonds used for investment purposes, nor are they like performance bonds that provide financial returns to investors. Although insurance companies underwrite bonds, they do not operate the same way as conventional insurance policies.

More Details Concerning Professional Fundraiser Bond

A professional solicitor is typically a person or company paid by a charity to raise funds or create a charity’s donation campaign on the charity’s behalf. Qualification to Transact Business – States require any entity that transacts business within its jurisdictional borders to qualify to transact business. Generally, a sufficient nexus with the state must exist in order to require a charity to so qualify. Clear lines are hard to come by in this area. However, a physical presence within a state (such as an office) clearly establishes sufficient nexus. Anything less than a physical presence is unclear. Qualification typically requires a one-page form to be filed with the state that selects a resident agent located in that state. Such qualification is typically required in complying with the charitable solicitations registration process.

To further ensure compliance, professional fundraisers should consult authoritative resources such as the Federal Trade Commission for federal guidelines on charitable solicitation and consumer protection.