Navigating State Charitable Solicitation Laws

Oct. 27, 2011
Online
2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern

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Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia require charities soliciting funds from their residents to register with and file annual reports to the state. While 32 of these 40 states (counting DC) have some registration and filing exemption for colleges, universities and independent schools, the nature of these exemptions vary by state. These state laws and regulations also differ on whether institutionally related organizations such as foundations and alumni associations are also exempt from registration and reporting requirements, often in large part depending on the nature of the relationship between the related organization and the educational institution.

This seminar will provide an overview of the application of state charitable solicitation laws to educational institutions and their institutionally related organizations (foundations, alumni associations, etc.). Charles M. "Chip" Watkins, Attorney at Webster, Chamberlain & Bean and author of the recently updated CASE White Paper Application of Charitable Solicitation Registration Statutes to Tax-Exempt Educational Institutions and Related Organizations, will provide a state-by-state breakdown of the definitions, forms and other information pertinent to compliance with charitable solicitation laws. Jennifer Smith, Assistant Vice President and General Counsel at the University of Iowa Foundation, will discuss how her foundation has managed the process of complying with complex state initial and ongoing registration requirements.

Please note: This OSS was first offered in 2010; the 2011 OSS includes a newly updated white paper on the topic.

Benefits of Attending:

• Understand the primary purpose of state charitable solicitation laws
• Learn which states require educational institutions and their institutionally related organizations to register and report on their fundraising activities in the state 
• Hear tips and strategies that your institution, foundation, or alumni association can use to navigate the complex landscape of registration and reporting requirements
• Learn how state charitable solicitation laws treat professional fundraisers and other organizations that may solicit on behalf of or provide fundraising counsel to your institution, foundation or alumni association

Who Should Attend:

• Chief Advancement Officers, Vice Presidents of Development at Public and Private Colleges and Universities

• Legal counsel of colleges, universities, independent schools, institutionally related foundations and alumni associations

• Chief Advancement Officers at Independent Schools

• Executive staff at Institutionally Related Foundations

• Alumni Association Directors

Speakers

Jennifer Smith
Assistant Vice President and General Counsel
University of Iowa Foundation

Jennifer Smith joined the University of Iowa Foundation in 2007 after having worked as an attorney in the University of Iowa Office of the General Counsel and for a law firm in Milwaukee, WI. She is responsible for the legal affairs of the UI Foundation. Jennifer earned her bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Iowa, and she is a 2004 graduate, with high distinction, of the UI College of Law. She also currently serves as the President of the Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys, and is active in the Iowa City community.

Charles M. Watkins
Attorney
Webster, Chamberlain & Bean

Charles M. ("Chip") Watkins is an attorney with Webster, Chamberlain & Bean, Washington, D.C. A graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and the Dickinson School of Law, Mr. Watkins served as an attorney in the office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Employee Benefits and Exempt Organizations), Internal Revenue Service from 1981 through 1985.

Since joining Webster, Chamberlain & Bean in 1986, Mr. Watkins has counselled and represented national and regional trade and professional associations, charities, public policy advocacy organizations, churches, other religious organizations, and other exempt organizations on tax, employee benefits, corporate governance, fundraising and charitable solicitation registration, contracts, and other legal and regulatory matters.

Mr. Watkins frequently speaks, writes, and teaches seminars on these and other issues of interest to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations.

Mr. Watkins is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and the Christian Management Association. He is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, and before the United States Tax Court, the United States Court of Federal Claims, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Registration

$275 (US) CASE members; $365 (US) Nonmembers