Registration Information for
Professional Solicitors
The Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act, 10 P. S. § 162.1 et
seq ., requires professional solicitors to register with the Bureau of
Corporations and Charitable Organizations prior to soliciting for charitable organizations 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 9(e) of the Act, 10 P. S. § 162.9(e), solicitors must also
submit copies of their contracts with charitable organizations to the Bureau at
least ten working days prior to soliciting for the organizations in
Pennsylvania. If they fail to do so, or solicit 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 solicitor.
Section 9(f) of the Act, 10 P. S. §162.9(f), sets forth the various
provisions which must be included in solicitor contracts. Contracts with
charitable organizations must contain all the required provisions. The Bureau
cannot approve contracts which do not contain all the statutorily required
provisions and solicitors cannot legally solicit for charitable organizations in
Pennsylvania until their contracts are approved.
Finally, Section 9(l) of the Act, 10 P. S. §162.9(l), requires solicitors to
file a financial report within 90 days after a solicitation campaign or event
has been completed and on the anniversary of the commencement of a solicitation
campaign lasting more than one year. This financial report must list the gross
revenue from the campaign or event and an itemization of all expenses incurred.
If this financial report is not submitted by its due date, the solicitor will be
fined appropriately.
Solicitor registrations must be renewed annually. Registration renewal
reminders are not mailed. Registration packets can be obtained by calling the
bureau toll-free at 1-800-732-0999 or by downloading a registration packet from
this web site.
You can
download a registration packet through this web site. 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.
Registration Packet
Registration and bond renewal reminders are no longer mailed. The organization's registration and bond renewal due dates are indicated on the certificate of registration sent upon the approval of a registration and/or bond.