Consumer Law at Your Fingertips

charity solicitations

General Information

The Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing (DRL) regulates charity solicitations under Wisconsin Statutes chapter 440, subchapter III.

• The law applies to charity solicitations by telephone, mass media, mail, door-to-door or other means.

• Charities must register with DRL and file annual financial reports (some exemptions apply).

• Professional fund raisers-must register and be bonded.

• Professional fund-raisers must have written contracts with charities. Contracts must include specified provisions.

• Professional fund-raisers must keep records and must account for funds raised.

• Persons engaged in charity solicitations must make disclosures to prospective contributors.

• Persons engaged in charity solicitations must refrain from unfair and deceptive practices. They may not misrepresent the nature or purpose of the solicitation, or the amount that will be donated to charity.