Page 147 - Washington Nonprofit Handbook 2018 Edition

Here are examples of what constitutes a charitable solicitation and what
does not:

• A telephone call in which the caller asks the recipient to buy a ticket to
a concert to benefit disadvantaged youths is a charitable solicitation.

• A letter that asks for a contribution to a named charity is a charitable
solicitation.

• A website that describes a program to help homeless people find work
and explains how to make a donation is a charitable solicitation.

• A postcard asking for donations of used clothing and household items
to benefit the disabled is a charitable solicitation.

• Grant applications or requests submitted to any foundation,
corporation, governmental agency, or similar entity that has an
established process for reviewing such requests are not charitable
solicitations. WAC 434-120-025(9)(c)(i).

• Bingo, raffles, and amusement games regulated by the Gambling
Commission. RCW 19.09.020(19)(c).

• Attempts to sell goods or services that constitute the basis for the
charitable organization’s activities for which federal tax exemption
status was granted are not charitable solicitations. WAC 434-120-
025(9)(c)(ii).

(iii) Registration and Reporting Requirements

All charitable organizations must register with the Secretary of State unless

they are exempt from the CSA. RCW 19.09.065; WAC 434-120-105. Exempt
charitable organizations include (1) charitable organizations that raise less than
$50,000 in any accounting year if the organization’s activities (including all
fundraising activities) are conducted exclusively by volunteers and none of the
organization’s officers, directors, members, or trustees receive compensation or
assets from the organization; and (2) persons or entities that appeal for funds on
behalf of specific individuals named in the solicitation if all of the proceeds of the
solicitation are given to or expended for the direct benefit of the named individual.
RCW 19.09.081; WAC 434-120-100(2). To further evaluate whether or not a
charitable organization is exempt from registering with the Charities Program of
the Secretary of State, and other information on charity registration, Secretary of

WASHINGTON NONPROFIT HANDBOOK -136- 2018