Nonprofit organizations – from charities to advocacy groups to trade associations – have long used sweepstakes, contests and other promotions to garner financial support and attention to specific issues, causes and industries. With ever-declining government funding, fundraising is becoming even more critical to the ability of a nonprofit to advance its mission. But regardless of how noble or harmless that mission may be, nonprofits must be cognizant of the numerous state and federal laws governing fundraising and other promotional efforts. That is particularly important given the increased regulatory activity and enforcement in recent years. This Quick Hit will provide an overview of the laws regulating nonprofit promotional activities, as well as recent developments in this area. It also will provide helpful do’s and don’ts for nonprofits planning to use promotions to spread the word and raise funds.
Specific areas to be discussed include:
- State and federal requirements and restrictions for raffles, sweepstakes and contests
- Legal concerns in connection with mobile giving and fundraising via social media
- State charitable solicitation registration requirements for charities, professional solicitors, and commercial co-venturers
Speakers:
Melissa Landau Steinman, Esq., Partner, Venable LLP
Mikhia E. Hawkins, Esq., Associate, Venable LLP
For more information and to listen to the Quick Hit recording if you are an ACC member, click here.