Episode of The Nonprofit Compliance Brief — practical guidance on charitable solicitation compliance.
Episode Summary:
Nonprofit compliance is often shaped by assumptions and outdated information rather than regulatory reality. This episode examines some of the most common myths surrounding charitable solicitation registration, reporting obligations, and governance responsibilities, and explains how these misunderstandings can lead to compliance gaps. The discussion separates perception from practice, helping nonprofit leaders better understand what regulators actually expect and how organizations can approach compliance with greater clarity and confidence.
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Educational podcast for nonprofit leadership and compliance teams covering charitable solicitation registration and multi-state fundraising requirements.
Episode Length: 25 minutes
Release Date: February 26, 2026
Series: The Nonprofit Compliance Brief
New episodes released weekly covering nonprofit compliance and multi-state fundraising.
Key Topics Covered
- Misconception that small nonprofits are exempt from most compliance requirements
- The myth that online fundraising avoids state regulation
- Belief that fiscal sponsors or platforms assume compliance responsibility
- Confusion between IRS compliance and state regulatory obligations
- Assumptions that enforcement is rare or unlikely
- Misunderstanding board responsibilities related to compliance oversight
- Idea that registration is required only where an organization is located
- Common errors caused by relying on informal advice or outdated guidance
- Why compliance problems often arise from misunderstanding rather than neglect
- Practical ways nonprofits can verify obligations and reduce risk
Episode Overview
Nonprofit compliance is frequently viewed through the lens of informal guidance, peer experience, or long-standing assumptions that may no longer reflect current regulatory expectations. This episode explores why myths about compliance persist and how they influence organizational decision-making. Many nonprofits operate under beliefs such as “we are too small to register” or “online donations don’t count,” only discovering their obligations after growth or regulatory contact.
The discussion highlights how evolving fundraising methods and increased transparency have changed how regulators evaluate nonprofit activity. As digital outreach expands and reporting systems become more interconnected, outdated assumptions can create unintended exposure. Understanding what regulators actually prioritize helps organizations replace uncertainty with informed planning.
Designed for nonprofit executives, board members, and finance professionals, this episode provides a clear framework for reassessing common compliance beliefs. By addressing myths directly, nonprofits can build more reliable compliance practices and avoid preventable risks while focusing on mission-driven work.
Unsure whether your organization needs to register before fundraising? We help nonprofits evaluate requirements across all states.
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Who Should Listen
- Executive directors planning fundraising expansion
- Development and fundraising teams
- Finance and compliance staff
- Board members overseeing risk management
- Organizations launching online donation programs
Related Compliance Resources
- Common Compliance and Registration Mistakes
- Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
- Nonprofit Registration Compliance Guide
- Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Episode Transcript
About The Nonprofit Compliance Brief
The Nonprofit Compliance Brief explores the regulatory and operational realities nonprofits face as fundraising expands across multiple jurisdictions. Each episode explains complex compliance topics in clear, practical terms to help organizations understand requirements before they become problems.
Learn more and browse all episodes on The Nonprofit Compliance Brief Podcast.
About the Host
The podcast is produced by Ironwood Registrations. The firm focuses exclusively on charitable solicitation registration and multi-state compliance management for nonprofit organizations.
Discuss Your Compliance Questions
If your organization is evaluating fundraising expansion or navigating multi-state registration requirements, you may schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.
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