The Charleston Principles

The Charleston Principles are a set of principles intended to help the various States within the United States develop a standardized approach to regulating internet-based fundraising and solicitation. They were were drafted and published by The National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO). The principles are nonbinding, but they may serve as a guide for state enforcement of solicitation registration requirements.

Some forty or so States require registration of organizations that solicit charitable contributions. The registration requirements vary from State to State, and in connection with the universal reach of the internet, this creates a substantial burden for many nonprofit organizations, and especially small organizations which may solicit contributions through a website.

The latest version of the Principles may be accessed here: Charleston Principles