Can I use email marketing to fundraise in Illinois? What are the requirements?

Requirements for Email Fundraising in Illinois

Illinois has specific requirements for email fundraising. The Solicitation for Charity Act ^[2] requires that professional fundraisers register with the Attorney General’s office and disclose certain information, including the identity of the person or entity involved in the fundraising campaign who distributes funds to the charitable organization. Additionally, no charitable organization or professional fundraiser soliciting contributions shall use a name, symbol, or statement so closely related or similar to that used by another charitable organization or governmental agency that the use thereof would tend to confuse or mislead the public.

Political Campaign Emails in Illinois

Political campaign emails fall under the Federal Election Campaign Act ^[3]. According to the Act, funds that comply with the limits, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of the Act do not satisfy these requirements. Therefore, political campaign emails must comply with the Act’s requirements, including disclaimers and reporting requirements.

Conclusion

In summary, email fundraising in Illinois requires registration with the Attorney General’s office and disclosure of certain information. Political campaign emails must comply with the Federal Election Campaign Act’s requirements.

Source(s):

• [2] 225 ILCS 460/ Solicitation for Charity Act.
• [3] FEC | Advertising and disclaimers

Jurisdiction

Illinois

• General