Part of the Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Series. It is design to provide practical guidance on charitable solicitation registration and multi-state fundraising compliance.
Video Overview:
When nonprofits launch fundraising campaigns or partner with businesses on promotional efforts, most attention goes to messaging and donor engagement. But one often-overlooked element can quickly create compliance risk: required disclosures.
In this video, we explain what required disclosures are, when they apply, and how they differ across types of fundraising activities—from standard charitable solicitations to cause marketing campaigns and professional fundraising arrangements. We also highlight how disclosure requirements vary by state and why reviewing promotional language before launch is critical.
Understanding disclosure requirements helps nonprofits avoid compliance issues, strengthen donor trust, and ensure fundraising campaigns are both effective and properly structured.
This video explains required disclosures in charitable promotions and how nonprofits can ensure compliance before launching campaigns.
This video is part of the Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Series, which explains charitable solicitation registration and nonprofit fundraising compliance requirements across the United States.
Key Topics Covered
- What required disclosures are and why they exist
- Disclosure requirements in standard charitable solicitations
- State-specific disclosure language and registration statements
- Disclosures in cause marketing and commercial co-ventures
- Why vague phrases like “a portion of proceeds” may not comply
Who This Video Is For
- Executive directors launching fundraising expansion
- Development teams building online campaigns
- Finance and compliance staff overseeing registrations
- Boards evaluating regulatory risk
- Organizations expanding fundraising beyond their home state
Video Summary
Required disclosures are a foundational component of charitable solicitation compliance. These disclosures are statements that must be included in certain fundraising communications to ensure transparency, accuracy, and accountability in how donations are solicited and used.
In traditional charitable solicitations—such as direct mail, email campaigns, and online donation pages—some states require nonprofits to include specific language about their registration status. This may include identifying the state agency where financial information can be obtained and clarifying that registration does not imply endorsement.
Cause marketing campaigns introduce additional disclosure requirements. When a business promotes that purchases will benefit a nonprofit, states often require clear statements about how much of each transaction will be donated, whether there is a cap on contributions, and how long the campaign will run. Vague language such as “a portion of proceeds” may not meet statutory standards in certain jurisdictions.
Professional fundraiser involvement can add another layer of disclosure obligations. In some states, solicitations must identify the professional fundraiser, disclose that they are compensated, and provide additional information about the fundraising arrangement. These requirements can apply across multiple communication channels, including phone, digital, and written solicitations.
Online fundraising raises practical questions about disclosure placement. Required statements must typically be clearly visible to donors before they complete a contribution. Placing disclosures in hard-to-find locations—such as terms and conditions pages—may not satisfy regulatory expectations.
Multi-state campaigns significantly increase complexity. Each state may have its own disclosure requirements, including prescribed language, formatting rules, and placement expectations. When campaigns reach donors across multiple jurisdictions, nonprofits often need to comply with the most restrictive applicable standards.
Common mistakes include using outdated disclosure language, omitting required statements, failing to update disclosures after a registration lapse, and assuming corporate partners are responsible for compliance. Even small omissions can result in regulatory inquiries or renewal issues.
Beyond compliance, disclosures play an important role in building donor trust. Clear, accurate communication demonstrates transparency and reinforces credibility. As nonprofits grow and fundraising visibility increases, strong disclosure practices become even more important.
By reviewing disclosure requirements before launching campaigns and coordinating across internal teams, nonprofits can reduce compliance risk while supporting effective and trustworthy fundraising efforts.
Unsure whether your nonprofit needs to register before fundraising in other states?
We help nonprofits evaluate requirements across all states.
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About the Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Series
The Multi-State Fundraising Compliance Series is an educational video series explaining charitable solicitation registration, multi-state fundraising compliance, and related nonprofit regulatory requirements. Each video addresses a specific compliance question commonly faced by nonprofit executives, development teams, and finance leaders.
Full Video Transcript
FAQs: Required Disclosures in Charity Promotions
What are required disclosures in charitable fundraising?
They are statements required by state law to ensure transparency about how donations are solicited and used.
Do all states require the same disclosures?
No. Disclosure requirements vary by state and must be evaluated individually.
Where do disclosures need to appear?
They may be required in emails, direct mail, websites, donation pages, and other fundraising materials.
What disclosures are required in cause marketing campaigns?
Typically, details about how much of each purchase benefits the nonprofit, campaign duration, and any donation limits.
Is “a portion of proceeds will be donated” sufficient?
Not always. Some states require more specific disclosure of the donation amount or percentage.
Do nonprofits need to disclose their registration status?
In some states, yes. Specific language may be required.
Are disclosures required when using professional fundraisers?
Often, yes. Some states require identifying the fundraiser and disclosing compensation.
How should disclosures be handled in online fundraising?
They should be clearly visible before the donor completes their contribution.
What are common disclosure mistakes?
Using outdated language, omitting required statements, and placing disclosures where they are not easily visible.
Why are disclosures important beyond compliance?
They build donor trust, improve transparency, and support organizational credibility.
Not sure if your fundraising materials include the right disclosures?
Ironwood Registrations can help review your campaigns and ensure your disclosures meet applicable state requirements.
Related Compliance Videos
- What Is Charitable Solicitation Registration?
- Which States Require Charitable Solicitation Registration?
- Charitable Solicitation Registration Explained for Nonprofits
- Do Small Nonprofits Need to Register in Every State?
Related Compliance Resources
- Where Nonprofits Must Register
- How Charitable Solicitation Works
- Multi-State Charitable Solicitation Registration Guide
Need Help Evaluating Your Registration Requirements?
If your organization is evaluating fundraising expansion or navigating multi-state registration requirements, you may schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.