Last Updated: February 2026
Many states require specific disclosure statements to appear on charitable solicitations.
These disclosures must typically be included on:
- Direct mail solicitations
- Email solicitations
- Printed materials
- Event materials
- Websites that request donations
- Certain advertising and broadcast materials
Failure to include required language can result in administrative penalties, delayed registrations, or enforcement actions.
This resource summarizes commonly required state disclosure statements and provides representative statutory wording used in solicitations.
For broader registration context, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
Why Disclosure Language Matters
State charitable solicitation statutes often require:
- A statement that the organization is registered
- The registration number (in some states)
- A statement that registration does not imply endorsement
- Contact information for the state regulator
- Instructions for obtaining financial information
Disclosure obligations are separate from registration itself. Even properly registered charities may fall out of compliance if required language is omitted or outdated.
For multi-state planning considerations:
Multi-State Charitable Registration Complexity
Commonly Required State Disclosure Language
Below are representative disclosure statements required by various states. Exact formatting requirements (type size, bolding, proximity to ask language) vary.
Florida
“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR _____________, REGISTRATION NO. CH __________ MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800HELPFLORIDA.COM. ”
Florida requires inclusion of the organization’s registration number in certain materials.
Georgia
“A full and fair description of the programs of ______________ and its financial statement summary is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.”
Maryland
“For the cost of postage and copying, documents and submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act may be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 974-5534. ”
Michigan
“MICS No.______.”
Mississippi
“The official registration and financial information of ___________ may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement.”
New Jersey
“INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.”
New York
“Upon request, a copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or by writing to the Charities Bureau at 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271”
New York disclosure language varies depending on revenue tier.
North Carolina
“Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the state.”
Pennsylvania
“The official registration and financial information of ____________ may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania. Registration does not imply endorsement.”
Virginia
“A financial statement for the most recent fiscal year is available upon request from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.”
Washington
“The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of _____________ is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483”
West Virginia
“Residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from: Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305.
U.S. RESIDENTS: 100% OF YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A TAX DEDUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF ______________ BY THE STATE.”
Wisconsin
“A financial statement of the charitable organization disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year will be provided to any person upon request.
REGISTRATION WITH A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF _________________ BY THAT STATE.”
States With Formatting or Multi-State Requirements
Some states require:
- Minimum font size (e.g., 10-point type)
- Placement “in immediate proximity” to the donation request
- Inclusion in both written and broadcast materials
- Separate disclosures for commercial co-ventures
States frequently requiring careful formatting compliance include:
- Florida
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Washington
Website Disclosure Requirements
Many organizations assume disclosures only apply to printed mailers. In reality:
If your website includes a donation button, required disclosures must typically appear:
- On the same page as the solicitation; or
- Via a clearly labeled link in close proximity to the donation request.
Organizations fundraising nationally often consolidate multi-state disclosure language into a single “State Disclosures” page linked from the website footer.
For online fundraising risk considerations:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Commercial Co-Ventures and Special Campaigns
If a nonprofit partners with a for-profit company in a cause-marketing campaign, some states require:
- Separate commercial co-venture disclosures
- Contract filing
- Additional consumer-facing language
See:
Commercial Co-Ventures & Cause-Marketing Campaigns
Common Compliance Mistakes
Organizations frequently:
- Use outdated state phone numbers
- Omit required registration numbers (Florida)
- Fail to update disclosures after renewal
- Apply the wrong revenue-tier disclosure (New York)
- Place language in unreadable font sizes
Disclosure violations can occur even when registration is current.
For related risk guidance:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes
Practical Governance Considerations
Boards and finance leaders should ensure:
- Disclosure language is reviewed annually during renewal
- Marketing teams use approved templates
- Website disclosures are audited after redesigns
- Development vendors understand multi-state requirements
Disclosure compliance is part of overall registration governance — not merely a marketing detail.
For strategic planning support:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Checklist
Multi-State Disclosure Strategy
National nonprofits often:
- Maintain a consolidated disclosure page
- Update language annually after renewals
- Track disclosure obligations alongside registration renewals
- Coordinate compliance between legal, finance, and marketing
Because disclosure wording can change legislatively, organizations should periodically review all required language.
If your organization is fundraising in multiple states and would like assistance reviewing or updating required solicitation disclosures: