Episode of The Nonprofit Compliance Brief — practical guidance on charitable solicitation compliance.
Episode Summary:
Online donations have transformed nonprofit fundraising, but they also raise a common and often misunderstood question: does accepting donations online mean an organization is soliciting in every state? This episode examines how regulators evaluate internet-based fundraising, when online activity creates charitable solicitation obligations, and the factors states consider when determining jurisdiction. The discussion clarifies common misconceptions and helps nonprofits understand how digital fundraising affects multi-state compliance responsibilities.
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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
- Legal definition of charitable solicitation in an online environment
- How donation websites and online giving platforms are evaluated by regulators
- The role of intent and targeting in determining solicitation
- The Charleston Principles and internet-based fundraising guidance
- Passive websites versus active solicitation activities
- Email, social media, and digital campaigns as compliance triggers
- When donor location matters for registration requirements
- Common myths about nationwide online fundraising
- Risk factors that increase multi-state compliance exposure
- Practical approaches to managing online fundraising compliance
Episode Overview
As online giving becomes standard practice, many nonprofits assume that maintaining a donation page automatically creates registration obligations in every state. This episode explores why the answer is more nuanced. Regulators generally look beyond the mere existence of an online donation button and instead evaluate how organizations promote fundraising, engage donors, and target audiences across state lines.
The discussion explains how guidance developed to address internet fundraising attempts to balance practical enforcement with donor protection. While passive online presence alone may not always trigger registration everywhere, active outreach, repeated donor engagement, or targeted campaigns can expand an organization’s compliance footprint quickly. Understanding these distinctions helps nonprofits avoid both underestimating and overestimating their obligations.
Designed for nonprofit executives, development professionals, and compliance staff, this episode provides clarity around one of the most frequently misunderstood areas of charitable solicitation law. By understanding how online donations are evaluated, organizations can make informed decisions about digital fundraising while maintaining responsible compliance practices.
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
- How Online Fundraising Affects Compliance
- Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Guide
- Charleston Principles Explained
- 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.
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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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