OVERVIEW OF THE REGULATION OF CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS (FROM REGULATION OF CHARITABLE TRUSTS AND SOLICITATIONS, 1974, BY GREGORY MALHOIT - SEE NCJ-49565)

• NCJ Number: 49567
• Author(s): C D TUCKER
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 3 pages
• Corporate Author: National Assoc of Attorneys General
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

PENNSYLVANIA'S SOLICITATION OF CHARITABLE FUNDS ACT IS DESCRIBED, AND ABUSES UNCOVERED BY INVESTIGATORS ARE BRIEFLY SUMMARIZED. A NETWORK OF COOPERATING STATES IS URGED TO FIGHT FRAUDS PERPETRATED NATIONWIDE.

Abstract

THE CURRENT PENNSYLVANIA CHARITABLE FUNDS LAW IS A 1963 REVISION OF A LAW DATING BACK TO 1919. UNDER THIS LAW ANY CHARITY WISHING TO SOLICIT FUNDS IN THE COMMONWEALTH MUST ANNUALLY FILE AN APPLICATION. THE ACT LIMITS THE AMOUNT A CHARITY CAN SPEND ON FUND-RAISING TO 35 PERCENT OF GROSS RECEIPTS AND THE AMOUNT WHICH CAN BE PAID TO A PROFESSIONAL FUND-RAISER TO 15 PERCENT. ENFORCEMENT POLICIES WHICH HAVE INCREASED THE NUMBER OF CHARITIES REGISTERED FROM 400 TO 4,000 AND SOME OF THE FRAUDULENT OPERATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN PUT OUT OF BUSINESS ARE DESCRIBED. ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION WHICH IS NEEDED INCLUDES TIGHT CONTROL ON CANISTER SOLICITATION, A SPECIFIC PROHIBITION AGAINST USE OF CHARITABLES NAMES BY PROFIT-MAKING COMPANIES, AND MANDATORY DISCLOSURE OF SOURCES OF FUNDS. COOPERATION BETWEEN STATES AND STRONG FEDERAL LEGISLATION ARE URGED TO HELP FIGHT FRAUDS AND PROVIDE UNIFORM REGULATION OF NATIONAL CHARITIES. (GLR)