Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the release of an updated Guide for Charities. This guide aims to provide best practices for charitable organizations, including charities, charitable trusts, and other nonprofits, as well as fundraising professionals and charitable fundraising platforms operating in California. The Attorney General is responsible for supervising these entities and can investigate and take legal action against those that misuse charitable assets or engage in fraudulent practices.

"From providing food to families in need to helping dogs and cats find their forever homes, charities perform important functions throughout California. With our updated Guide for Charities, and through other outreach efforts, my office is committed to helping them operate legally," said Attorney General Bonta. "At the same time, let there be no doubt that we will continue going after those who divert donations for personal use and otherwise commit fraud against generous California donors."

The Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers administers registration and reporting requirements under Government Code section 12580 et seq. It manages various programs such as Initial Registration, Registration Renewals, Delinquency, Dissolution, Professional Fundraising, Raffles, and Complaints. The Registry also offers a Search Tool for the public to research registered charitable organizations and fundraising professionals.

The updated Guide for Charities is designed to help directors and officers of charities understand their obligations under state law. The previous version was published in June 2021. Key updates include:

- An overview of regulatory requirements for charitable fundraising platforms found in Chapter 9. Effective June 12, 2024, crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe, Meta, PayPal, and others must register with the Registry.

- A new section on “behested payments,” which occur when donations are made at the request or suggestion of a public official for legislative or charitable purposes. These must be reported to the California Fair Political Practices Commission on Form 803.

- The Registry’s new name change from the Registry of Charitable Trusts and renumbering of applicable regulations.

Over 109,000 charitable organizations are registered with the Registry. As of June 2022, these charities reported total revenues exceeding $473 billion — an increase of $69 billion from June 2021.

The updated Guide for Charities is available online.