Pennsylvania Professional Solicitor Bond

A professional solicitor is an individual or organization that solicits funds on behalf of charitable organizations in Pennsylvania. Professional solicitors must be registered with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations before soliciting for charitable organizations in Pennsylvania. They must also obtain a Pennsylvania Professional Solicitor Bond.

The bond amount is $25,000. The bond ensures that the solicitor will comply with all of the Pennsylvania Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act (Act 175), including:

• Registering with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
• Providing accurate and truthful information about the charitable organization
• Not misleading or deceiving donors
• Using the funds raised for the purposes stated by the charitable organization
• Maintaining accurate records of all donations

If the solicitor fails to comply with any of the Act 175 requirements, the surety company that issued the bond may be liable for damages. If the surety company pays a claim on the bond, it will seek restitution from the bond principal (licensee). 

How to get a Pennsylvania Professional Solicitor Bond

At Surety1.com we make it easy to obtain this surety bond. Our simple, three step process is:

1. Complete the easy to navigate and secure online application. ¹
2. Review the free, no obligation quote from one of Surety1’s professional surety bond agents, usually within one business day.
3. Sign some paperwork and pay the bond premium

Once these steps have been completed, the Surety Bond will be shipped to the bond applicant.
^{1 -The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the license.}
The cost of the surety bond is usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum premium and fees of $150 to$250. Surety1 will shop its many markets to procure the right price at the right terms.

Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003.

What are the Pennsylvania Professional Solicitor registration requirements?

In Pennsylvania, professional solicitors who solicit funds on behalf of charitable organizations are required to register with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations (Bureau) before commencing any solicitation activities. The registration requirements are designed to protect donors and ensure that charitable organizations receive the funds raised by professional solicitors.

Here are the Pennsylvania Professional Solicitor registration requirements:

1. Complete a Registration Statement: Provide accurate and complete information about the solicitor’s business, including its legal name, address, contact information, and ownership structure.

2. Obtain a Pennsylvania Professional Solicitor Bond: Secure a $25,000 surety bond. The bond serves as financial protection for charitable organizations and donors in case of any misconduct or misappropriation of funds.

3. Submit a Written Contract: Enter into a written contract with each charitable organization for which you will solicit funds. The contract must clearly outline the terms of the solicitation, including the fees charged, the percentage of funds to be remitted to the charity, and the responsibilities of both parties.

4. Provide Solicitation Notice: File a Solicitation Notice (Form BCO-170) with the Bureau at least ten working days prior to commencing any solicitation activities on behalf of a charitable organization. This notice provides the Bureau with information about the solicitation, including the identity of the solicitor, the charity, and the intended use of the funds.

5. Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed records of all solicitation activities, including the amount of funds raised, the expenses incurred, and the distribution of funds to the charitable organization. These records should be readily available for inspection by the Bureau.

6. File Financial Reports: Submit annual financial reports (Form BCO-165) to the Bureau within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year for each charitable organization for which you solicited funds. These reports provide an accounting of the funds raised and how they were used.

7. Adhere to the Act 175 Requirements: Comply with all applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act (Act 175). This includes refraining from misleading or deceptive practices, ensuring that funds are used for the stated purposes, and maintaining accurate records.

8. Renew Registration Annually: Renew your registration with the Bureau annually to maintain your license to operate as a professional solicitor in Pennsylvania.

Failure to comply with these registration requirements may result in penalties, including fines of up to $1,000 per violation and potential revocation of your registration. It is essential to ensure that you fully understand and comply with all applicable regulations to operate legally and ethically as a professional solicitor in Pennsylvania.

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