North Carolina Professional Solicitor Bond Overview
- Purpose: To ensure honest and legal charitable fundraising practices by solicitors
- Who Needs It: All professional solicitors hired by charitable organizations to raise funds in North Carolina
- Regulating Body: The NC Department of the Secretary of State – Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section
- Bond Amount: $20,000, $30,0000, or $50,000; depending on contributions received per year
- Minimum Price: 1.5% of the bond amount; credit-based
What Is a North Carolina Professional Solicitor Bond?
The North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State requires new professional solicitors to file $20,000 surety bonds before working on fundraising campaigns. Established fundraisers may need to increase to a $30,000 or $50,000 bond if they raise more than $100,000 per year.
Bond Coverage Requirements for Professional Fundraisers
You’ll need a $20,000 bond for your initial NC professional solicitor registration. Then, your bond amount may increase based on donations you collect. See the table below for the bond tiers.
| Contributions Received In the Past Fiscal Year | Surety Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| Less than $100,000 | $20,000 |
| $100,000–$200,000 | $30,000 |
| $200,001+ | $50,000 |
How Much Do Professional Solicitor Bonds Cost?
North Carolina charitable fundraiser bonds cost 1.5–10% of the total bond amount. Qualified applicants with strong personal credit often qualify for the minimum rate. For example, the $20,000 bond starts at $300 and the $30,000 bond starts at $450. Apply for your free quote now.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a North Carolina Professional Solicitor Bond Work?
These bonds ensure that any consumers or organizations who are wronged by a charitable solicitor can be compensated. When you file this bond, you enter a three-party contract.
- Principal: The professional solicitor filing the bond
- Obligee: The NC Department of the Secretary of State – Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section
- Surety: The issuing surety provider
As the principal, you promise to adhere to General Statutes of North Carolina §131F-16(d). Violations include the following:
- Saying funds are being solicited for a charity when they are not
- Holding contributions for longer than two days
- Failing to place contributions in a proper account
- Failing to maintain the proper records of each solicitation
The surety financially backs this obligation and can pay out bond claims if needed. However, if you break this contract, you must repay the surety for any claims.
How Do I Get a Professional Fundraiser Bond?
SuretyBonds.com makes getting bonded as a charitable fundraiser fast, easy and affordable. Just follow these three steps:
- Apply: Submit an online quote request form. You’ll get a quote in one business day or less.
- Sign & Pay: Follow the instructions with your quote to e-sign and buy the bond.
- File: Receive the official bond form via email. Submit this to the Secretary of State with your license application or renewal packet.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
Your bond will expire after 1–3 years, depending on the term you select. We’ll send out reminders before it expires. You can renew your current bond for another term by simply paying the renewal invoice. There are no extra documents you need to file with the state.
If your bond amount needs to increase, contact your surety provider. Reach our support team at [email protected].
How to Become a Professional Fundraiser in North Carolina
Professional solicitors that raise more than $50,000 per year in North Carolina must be licensed with the Charitable Solicitations Licensing Division. Follow these steps to apply:
- Fill out the Solicitor License Application form and all the required attachments.
- Attach a signed and executed notary form.
- Buy and attach proof of a surety bond in the required amount.
- Mail your application to the address below.
NC Department of the Secretary of State
Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division
P.O. Box 29622
Raleigh, NC 27626-0622
