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   Know the Charity Before You Give
         Brought to you by the State of Washington, Office of the Secretary of State
 
       The most important thing to remember is that you should find out as much as you can about the soliciting charity before you make a
       contribution. If you are asked to make a charitable donation -- either in person, by phone, or by mail -- ask questions!
 
       1. Is the request coming from a charity or a commercial fundraiser?
       2. Is the charity or commercial fundraiser registered with the Secretary of State as required by law?
       3. What is the name, address, and telephone number of the organization asking for the donation?
       4. Exactly how will the donation be used?
       5. What percentage of the contribution will actually be spent on the charitable purpose of the organization? (In some instances, less than
           20 percent of the money collected by a commercial fundraiser goes to the client charity).
 
  Q: What is a "Charitable Organization?"
 
  A: A Charitable Organization is any entity that solicits or collects contributions from the public, where the contribution is, or is said to be,
       used to support a charitable activity. Charitable activity includes, but is not limited to, education, recreational, social, patriotic, legal
       defense, benevolent, or health causes.
 
  Q: Who must register?
 
  A: The Charitable Solicitations Act applies to almost every person or entity that conducts charitable solicitations in the State of Washington.
       In most cases, involvement in this type of activity generally requires registration with the state. This includes organizations located outside
       the State of Washington soliciting Washington State residents. "Charitable Organization" is broadly defined. If the entity conducts a
       charitable solicitation, it is considered a "Charitable Organization" for purposes of this statute, even if you do not think of the entity as a
       charity.
 
  Q: Are all Charities required to register with the Office of the Secretary of State?
 
  A: While most Charities must register, there are some entities exempt from the state registration requirements. The nature of the charity, the
       the type of solicitation, and the amount raised from solicitations are distinguishing features of the exemptions.
 
       In Washington State, most organizations that are (1) strictly volunteer run and raising less than $25,000 from the public, (2) Political
       organizations; (3) Fundraising on behalf of  specific individuals, or (4) Churches or their integrated auxiliaries. Organizations that are
       exempt from the registration requirements are encouraged to submit an "Optional Statement for an Exempt Organization" with the
       the registration requirements are encouraged to submit an "Optional Statement for an Exempt Organization" with the Charities Program.
       The application is not required, but does allow the Office of the Secretary of State to respond to customer inquires. For more information
       For more information regarding qualifying for exemption from registration, please contact the Charities Program directly.
 
  Q: Do all states require a registration?
 
  A: Most states have some type of registration or filing process. It is necessary for organizations contemplating fundraising activities in other
       states to research the individual state reporting requirements to ensure compliance prior to soliciting.
 
  Q: Why is registration required?
 
  A: Both the benefiting charities as well as the independent entities paid to solicit funds must, in most cases, provide financial and other
        information about fundraising and their activities. The information is available to the public so that the consumer can learn more about
       how their donation will be spent by the soliciting organization, before making a contribution.
 
       Registration with the Office of the Secretary of State should not be represented as an endorsement and will not prevent deception.
 
  Q: What is a Commercial Fundraiser or Professional Fundraiser?
 
  A: A commercial fundraiser is an independent entity that in exchange for compensation, conducts fundraising activities on behalf of Charities.
       It is not unusual for commercial fundraisers to be retained and paid for their fundraising services by multiple Charitable Organizations.
 
  Verify the Information
 
  Q: I have just been solicited by a Charity. How can I tell if it is legitimate?
 
  A: The Office of the Secretary of State cannot address an organization's "legitimacy." We will be able to confirm if an organization has met
       the state registration requirements. If the organization has properly registered, we will be able to supply general and financial information
       as provided in the organization's registration documents.
 
       The information available from our office, combined with other available resources, is intended to assist the public in making informed

       decisions.

 
  Q: How can I check out a Charity?
 

  A: You may contact the Office of the Secretary of State's Charities Program by calling our toll-free toll-free number 1-800-332-4483 (local

        or out-of-state callers may dial 360-725-0378).
 
       You may also conduct an online search.
 

       Other resources include your local Better Business Bureau, including several Internet sites that have been established to aid in the research

       of Charitable Organizations.
 
  Q: How can I check out a commercial fundraiser?
 
  A: Commercial Fundraisers are also required to register annually with the Office of the Secretary of State Charities Program. Consumers
       may contact the Charities Program by calling our toll-free number 1-800-332-4483 (local or out-of-state callers may dial 360-725-0378).
       General and financial information is available and will assist potential donors in understanding how their contribution will be used.
 
       The Charities Program also publishes the "Commercial Fundraiser Activity Report" each year near the holiday season, when charitable
       solicitations are at their peak. The report provides valuable information regarding how funds are distributed by commercial fundraisers to
       their charity clients. Read the report.
 
  Q: What percentage of funds actually spent on the organization’s charitable purpose is considered an  “acceptable” percentage?
 
  A: The Washington State Charitable Solicitations Act does not provide an "acceptable" or minimal percentage to be expended towards an
       organization's program services. Anyone involved in making charitable contributions should predetermine their own "minimum percentage
       standard" and support those organizations.
 
       Other Tips and Cautions
        Before you decide to donate, request printed materials about the charity.
 
       Contact the beneficiaries of the charitable funds to determine if they are aware of the solicitation and have authorized use of their name.
       Ask how the donations are used.
 
       Never give your credit card number to a telephone solicitor and don't pay by cash. Pay by check and make it payable to the charity, not
       the fundraiser.
 
       Don't be fooled by a name. Some organizations use sympathetic sounding names, or names that closely resemble those of respected,
       well-established charities.
 
       Don't give in to high-pressure "hardball" solicitations that demand an instant commitment. If the charity is legitimate, it should be willing to
       give you time to make up your mind.
 
       Be wary of charities that offer to send a courier to collect your money immediately. If a solicitor comes to your door, ask for identification.
      
       Call the Secretary of State's Charities Information Hotline (toll-free in Washington State 1-800-332-GIVE) to confirm if the charity or
       fundraiser is registered and to get further information about the organization's financial and charitable activities.
 
     


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