October 8, 2009 — A Georgia non-profit has been fined $25,000 for failure to comply with Charity Registration laws in that state. It’s a home state case and I have long believed that is how enforcement actions will begin. We’ve seen the same in Arizona and Washington, where warning letters were recently sent to resident charities. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution story is here.

October 5, 2009 — In Florida, a popular fundraising state due to retirees, failure to register charity solicitations is actually a third degree felony, with fine up to $5,000.

September 24, 2009 — In many states, using email, paper mail or advertising to induce residents to your website to make a donation, is a solicitation, triggering the requirement to register. These include CA, CO, CT and TX.

August 28, 2009 — Fees vary wildly. States like Arizona, Arkansas and Michigan are free. Florida costs $400 for the largest organizations and Hawaii can be as high as $750.

August 15, 2009 — In states where your organization is exempt, you’re not necessarily finished. In many states you must apply for your exemption and be approved.