California Commercial Fundraiser Bond for Charitable Purposes

How much does a commercial fundraiser bond cost in California?

The California Office of the Attorney General requires commercial fundraisers for charitable purposes to post $25,000 surety bonds. SuretyBonds.com can issue these bonds instantly online for just $375 without a credit check, which means all applicants are pre-approved at the same cost.

Simply click Buy Now to visit our secure bond checkout and purchase your California commercial fundraiser bond online today.

Why do I need this bond?

California charitable fundraiser bonds are put in place to ensure that principals (fundraisers) comply with the provisions of subdivision (a) of Section 12599 of the Government Code of the State of California. Unethical acts under this bond include:

• leading people to believe that money and funds are collected for charitable purposes when they indeed are not
• using a charity’s name without written consent to do so
• employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud or obtain money by misrepresentation or misleading statements
• failing to produce to the Attorney General any books and records of such organization

By posting this bond, the principal agrees to pay all sums due to any individual or group as a result of the principal’s unlawful or unethical business practices.

What’s the fine print?

Commercial fundraiser bonds in California are continuous until canceled. The surety can cancel the bond according to the provisions of Section 996.310 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Both the principal and the surety can be served with notices, papers and other documents under Chapter 2 (commencing with section 995.010), Title 14, Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure and section 12599 of the Government Code at the addresses listed on the bond form.

How to become a commercial fundraiser in California

Any organization or person that solicits contributions or intends to hire a person or business to solicit contributions for charitable purposes in California is required to obtain the appropriate registration. Information required on the application includes:

• official name and address of commercial fundraiser for charitable purposes
• Federal Employer I.D. number
• CF Registration Number
• mailing address (if different from official address)
• all additional names and addresses the charitable fundraiser is known for or operates under

The registration form requires applicants to mark whether they are part of a corporation, unincorporated association, partnership or a sole proprietorship.

All required application fees must be paid in full at the time of application.

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Additional Resources

State of California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General Commercial Fundraiser

State of California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General Forms